Tragic Train Accident in Gonda: 3 Dead, 32 Injured as Assam-Bound Train Derails
A devastating train derailment in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to 32 others when eight coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express went off the tracks on Thursday afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The derailment occurred between Jhilahi and Motiganj railway stations, approximately 30 km from Gonda town. The incident happened around 2:40 pm as the Assam-bound train was en route from Chandigarh. The condition of six of the injured passengers, including a woman, is reported to be serious.
Casualties Identified
The deceased have been identified as Rahul (38) from Chandigarh and Saroj Kumar Singh (30) from Bihar. The identity of the third victim, also male, has not yet been confirmed.
Investigations Underway
The loco pilot of the train reported hearing a blast just before the derailment, prompting an investigation by the Railways and Uttar Pradesh Police. Pankaj Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway, announced that a high-level inquiry and a Commission of Railway Safety inquiry have been ordered.
Rescue and Relief Efforts
Following the derailment, a station disaster response force, along with medical teams and ambulances, quickly arrived at the scene to rescue passengers. The railway department dispatched a special ambulance, and rescued passengers were taken to Mankapur railway station. From there, they were sent to their destinations on a special train, while other trains were diverted.
Divisional Railway Manager Aditya Kumar stated, “Work is in progress to clear the railway tracks. An inquiry has begun and statements of the railway staff are being recorded.”
Compensation Announced
The Railways has announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh to the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries.
Eyewitness Accounts
Passenger Sandeep Kumar shared his harrowing experience with PTI: “For a moment the coach was filled with dust and it was all dark. I don’t remember what happened in the next few seconds. I only remember the cries and that a passenger pulled my hand and helped me get out of the window.”
Official Responses
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Mankapur railway station to oversee the rescue operations. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed district authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured.
The Uttar Pradesh government deployed a 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances to the site to oversee the transfer of the injured to hospitals.
Helpline Numbers
Authorities have released several helpline numbers for assistance:
- Gonda: 8957400965
- Lucknow: 8957409292
- Dibrugarh: 9957555960
This tragic incident underscores the importance of railway safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such accidents in the future