Bikaner Express accident: 9 dead, 45 injured

The Bikaner-Guwahati Express train was derailed near Dohomoni in the Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal on Thursday. Officials said 12 coaches got overturned killing at least nine people and leaving 45 injured. 

Footage showed several coaches lying sideways on elevated tracks with rescue workers attempting to get out passengers from the wreck. The Jalpaiguri district magistrate initially said three passengers have died and over 20 are injured.

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An NFR spokesperson stated in Guwahati that the accident occurred around 5 p.m. in an area under Alipurduar division of Northeast Frontier Railway. He added that the accident took place over 90 km away from the Alipurduar Junction.

“An accident relief train with a medical team is on way to the spot. We are awaiting further details,” the spokesperson had said.

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With rescue operations underway, doctors and nurses are coming from different North Bengal hospitals. Current reports suggest that over 250 people have been rescued. Following the derailment, a Commissioner Railway Safety enquiry has been issued at a high level. 

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Senior officials rushed to the site. Several resources including ambulances, cutting equipment, and food materials have been made available. The Alipurduar District Magistrate further offered assistance, saying, “12 ambulances have been sent from Alipurduar. Civil defence team has been rushed to the spot. Arrangements to admit the injured made at Falakata and Birpara hospitals”. 

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Already 10 critically injured passengers are being moved to the Jalpaiguri district hospital. Meanwhile, the 16 admitted to the Moynaguri hospital are also said to be critical. 

At least 50 injured were rescued, as per West Bengal government sources. 

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee departed from the chief ministers’ meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, today, to take stock of the situation. She tweeted, “Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations. Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible.” 

[Edited with PTI Inputs]