Tragedy Strikes Near Jalpaiguri
Early this morning, a tragic train accident occurred near Domohani in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. The Bikaner-Guwahati Express (15633) derailed while traveling from Patna to Guwahati, resulting in the loss of eight lives and injuring 42 passengers. The derailment happened around 5:15 am, causing significant disruption and chaos.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations began promptly, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Security Force (BSF), and other local agencies arriving quickly to assist. Passengers were evacuated, and the injured were transported to nearby hospitals in Jalpaiguri and Siliguri for medical treatment. By noon, rescue efforts had concluded, and an investigation into the accident’s cause began.
Impact on Rail Services
The derailment has caused significant disruptions in rail services across the region. Several trains have been rescheduled or rerouted to manage the affected routes. Trains such as the Guwahati-Howrah Saraighat Express and the Kamakhya-Anand Vihar Express have been diverted, while others like the Sealdah-Bamanhat Uttarbanga Express have been short-terminated. Indian Railways has set up help desks at major stations to assist passengers with updated travel information and accommodations.
Eyewitness Accounts and Passenger Experiences
Passengers recounted the horror of the derailment, describing how the train suddenly jolted and carriages were thrown off the tracks. “It was terrifying. People were screaming, and there was a lot of confusion,” said one survivor. Many passengers expressed gratitude for the quick response from rescue teams and the support provided by local authorities.
Eyewitness Accounts and Passenger Experiences
Passengers recounted the horror of the derailment, describing how the train suddenly jolted and carriages were thrown off the tracks. “It was terrifying. People were screaming, and there was a lot of confusion,” said one survivor. Many passengers expressed gratitude for the quick response from rescue teams and the support provided by local authorities.
Long-term Measures and Safety Improvements
In light of this incident, Indian Railways has pledged to review and enhance safety protocols to prevent future accidents. The Railways Ministry is also considering implementing advanced monitoring and early warning systems on high-traffic routes to detect and mitigate potential hazards.
For continuous updates and more detailed information, the public is advised to follow announcements from the Railways Ministry and local news sources. Helpline numbers have been provided for those seeking information about their relatives or travel arrangements.