At least two passengers were killed and six others injured when 18 coaches of the Mumbai-bound Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand on Tuesday after colliding with a cargo train. The rescue operation is currently ongoing at the accident scene.
Railways announces Rs 10 lakh compensation to the families of deceased
According to an official, the Railways has announced Rs 10 lakh in compensation for each of the two fatalities’ families, with Rs 5 lakh set aside for those who sustained significant injuries.
The accident occurred at around 3.45 am in Bara Bambu village near Chakradharpur. Ambulances and rescue teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
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Another derailment of a goods train reported nearby
Om Prakash Charan, a spokesperson for South Eastern Railways (SER), informed news agency PTI that there was another derailment of a cargo train nearby, although it was unclear whether the two incidents occurred simultaneously.
“At least 18 coaches of the 22-coach 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail via Nagpur derailed near Barabamboo station in SER’s Chakradharpur division at 3.45 AM,” he said.
He said there were 16 passenger coaches, one power car, and one pantry vehicle.
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“Six passengers were injured in the accident and provided medical aid in Barabamboo. They are now being taken to Chakradharpur for better treatment,” another senior SER official said.
The reason for the derailment was being investigated, he added.
Numerous trains cancelled, diverted
Meanwhile, three trains were cancelled, with one each being short-terminated and diverted due to the disaster.
The cancelled trains were Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express (22861), Kharagpur-Dhanbad Express, and Hawrah-Barbil Express. South Bihar Express (13288) was diverted, and Asansol Tata Memu Pass Special Train (08173) was short-terminated at Adra.
In an official statement, the Indian Railways said, “Train No. 12810 Howara-CSMT Express has derailed near Chakradharpur, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in Chakradharpur division.”
Indian Railways issues helpline numbers
The Indian Railways issued a few emergency helpline numbers, which are:
Tatanagar: 06572290324
Chakradharpur: 06587 238072
Rourkela: 06612501072, 06612500244
Howrah: 9433357920, 03326382217
Ranchi: 0651-27-87115
HWH Help Desk: 033-26382217, 9433357920
SHM Help Desk: 6295531471, 7595074427
KGP Help Desk: 03222-293764
CSMT Helpline Auto no 55993
P&T: 022-22694040
Mumbai: 022-22694040
Nagpur: 7757912790
