At least two people died and 20 others were injured after several coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed in the Gonda district of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, authorities said.
“The accident took place around 2.37 pm. According to preliminary information, 4–5 coaches have derailed,” Pankaj Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway told ANI.
“A medical van and a team of doctors have arrived at the scene, and rescue and relief operations are underway.”
A passenger travelling in the train said that there was a mild explosion before the incident.
“I had to go to Hajipur. Fifteen minutes after leaving Gonda, the train tilted left and right side twice and then the third time, we all fell on the left side. There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh,” the passenger said.
The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those who are grievously injured and Rs. 50,000 to the minor injured in the accident.
The relief commissioner of Uttar Pradesh said that one NDRF team each was dispatched from Lucknow and Balrampur to Gonda.
In a post on X, the relief commissioner said: “Five ambulances were deployed for rescue operations in the train accident and orders have been given to send more ambulances to the site. First aid is being adminstered to the injured. They are being shifted to the hospital. SDRF teams have been sent from three districts to expedite relief operations,” the relief commissioner said.
Expressing grief over the accident, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that he has directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations and prioritize taking the injured to the hospital.
“District administration officials have been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing and to take the injured to the hospital on top priority and provide them with proper treatment. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Adityanath said in a post on X.
