Patna: Twelve coaches of Rajdhani Express (12236) from New Delhi to Dibrugarh derailed near Golden Ganj station in Bihar on Wednesday. Report claimed that atleast four passengers were killed and eight injured in the accident.
Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said that five coaches – B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 and pantry car – overturned as a result of the derailment, while seven other coaches – B-5 to B-10 and power car – got derailed near the station, about 75 kms from Patna.
The accident occurred at around 2:00 AM between Chapra and Golden Ganj stations, minutes after the train left Chapra.
Saran Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar said, “Four passengers were killed and eight others were injured in the accident. All the injured were admitted to the hospital for treatment and some of them referred to Patna Medical College and Hospital in Patna.”
Kumar ruled out any sabotage or hand of Maoists behind the derailment of the Rajdhani Express train.
He said, “It is an accident and a result of technical fault.”
Kumar also said, “About 500 metres of railway track was found uprooted, but no evidence of a blast or any other explosives recovered from the accident site.”
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, meanwhile, refused to confirm the sabotage theory, saying it was too early to blame Maoists for the derailment.
In another crucial development, three timer bombs have been found 25 km from the spot where the train mishap took place.
Railway Board Chief Arunendra Kumar said prima facie the cause for derailment seems to be sabotage by the Maoists. Railway Minister DV Sadanand Gowda also said that one of the reasons behind derailment could be sabotage.
Gowda expressed grief over the loss of lives in the mishap. He directed the Railway administration to render best possible treatment to the injured passengers.
Describing it as a “very unfortunate incident”, Gowda announced that the Commissioner Railway Safety, Eastern Circle, will inquire into the matter. Gowda further informed that senior rail officials are at the site, and another train has been arranged for passengers of the ill-fated train.
The Railway Minister and Minister of State for Railway Manoj Sinha have rushed to the site along with Railway Board Member Traffic, DP Pandey, and Member Mechanical, Alok Johri.
Meanwhile, Sushil Kumar, Chapra ASP, said he has no evidence of sabotage. “We are investigating all angles.”
Chapra MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who visited the site of train derailment, said it is too early to speculate on the role of Maoists in the incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been apprised of the incident, the BJP leader added. The PM, meanwhile, has condoled the loss of lives. PM Modi is in touch with the Railway Minister.
The Railways has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kind of those dead. The seriously injured passengers will get Rs 1 lakh each while those with minor injuries will receive Rs 20,000 each.
Helpline numbers:
Chapra – 06152-43409
Hajipur – 06224 -272230
Muzaffarpur – 0621 – 2213034
New Delhi – 011-23342954
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