3 die, many hurt as North East express derails near Raghunathpur

Running of train on Patna Buxar section of Howrah-Delhi main line suspended for relief and rescue operation, casualty is not known yet

0
19
North East Express accident

Patna: At least two-three passengers died and many injured when eight coaches of Kamakhya bound 12506 North East express train derailed near Raghunathpur station of Buxar district on Bihar at around 9.35 pm. It’s said that more than seven bogeys of the super fast train jumped off the track, while one coach turned turtle.

A senior officer of Bhojpur district confirmed death of a passenger and said that injured persons are being taken immediately to the nearby hospital. “Critical patients are being referred to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), which is located around 80km west of Patna. More than 60-70 passengers have been injured in the accident.

Meanwhile, the railway has issued helpline numbers to know the conditions of their known ones. People can dial common helpline number-7759070004. Three other helpline numbers have been issued which are 9771449971 (Patna), 8905697493 (Danapur) and 8306182542 (Ara).

Senior officers of the east central railway (ECR) have rushed to the spot along with rescue and relief equipment. The incident took place when the train started off from Buxar and a few coaches of the train derailed soon after it was about to pass through Raghunathpur stations. Reports said that more than two dozen passengers have suffered critical injuries.

The coaches have jumped off the up line as well, forcing the railways to suspend operation of all trains on the main Patna-Delhi railway line. One of the coaches is said to have turned turtle and many passengers are still trapped in it. The train was running at a high speed as its next stoppage was at Ara station.

No officer from the ECR could be contacted for their comments. Police officials from nearby police stations and local residents have also reached the spot and joined the rescue work. Buxar SP has also reached the spot to coordinate with the rescue and relief operations. Rescue operations are being hampered due to the darkness.

The state government has sounded alert for the doctors and other emergency staff of PMCH, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science (IGIMS) and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), where the injured could be sent for treatment.