Jalpaiguri, Jan 13: A passenger train, Bikaner Guwahati Express has derailed near Jalpaiguri-Moynaguri. At least four to five bogies of the train have derailed. Rescue operations ate undergoing at the incident spot.
The incident took place after it crossed Moynaguri and the train was going from Patna to Guwahati. Alipurduar DRM, SP & DM all rushed to the spot.
Preliminary information indicates that several passengers are believed to have suffered injuries in the derailment. The injured are being taken to the Mainaguri and Jalpaiguri district hospitals.
Videos from the spot show derailed bogies lying on top of one another.
Railway Police have already launched a search and rescue operation at the site of the derailment. A team of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) is also on its way to the spot.
Indian Railways has issued an emergency number (8134054999) and as many as 20 ambulances have been rushed to the scene.
All hospitals in North Bengal have been directed to remain on standby.
Spoke to GM @RailNf and gathered that all efforts are afoot to render assistance to injured and passengers in concert with agencies @RailMinIndia @MamataOfficial. Passengers would be taken to Gauhati by another train. Pray speedy recovery to injured.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) January 13, 2022
Sad to hear Bikaner Guwahati express derailed near Jalpaiguri with reports of deaths and casualties.
Gathered that all agencies @RailMinIndia @RailNf @MamataOfficial are rendering full assistance and rescue operations are on and injured are being well attended.
— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) January 13, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took stock of the situation in a phone call with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
Also Read: ‘Mutual understanding’ reached between Assam, Meghalaya over six areas of boundary dispute: Himanta Biswa Sarma
Update:
- Three dead as Guwahati-bound Bikaner Express derails in WB’s Jalpaiguri
- Multiple bogies of the Bikaner Express (15633) have derailed in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. Three people have been confirmed dead in the accident. Some estimates suggest that as many as 12 coaches suffered damage when the derailment took place.
- 12 coaches of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express (15633) have derailed in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. Four people have been confirmed dead in the accident. Railways Minister Ashwini Viashnaw said he is personally monitoring the situation and has apprised PM Narendra Modi about the rescue operations.
- An ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh has been announced for the kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those who receive grievous injuries and Rs 25,000 for those who suffer simple injuries.
- The train that started from Bikaner in Rajasthan was heading to Guwahati in Assam via Patna when the accident took place near Maynaguri in Jalpaiguri around 5.15 pm on Thursday. Maynaguri was not one of the train’s 34 stoppages and the Bikaner Express was merely passing Jalpaiguri at the time of the incident.
Deeply pained to learn about the very sad loss of lives due to a tragic Train accident in West Bengal. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the early recovery of all injured persons 🙏
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 13, 2022
Extremely pained to learn about the loss of lives in the horrific train accident in West Bengal today. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. 🙏
Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
— N.Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) January 13, 2022
I spoke to Hon’ble West Bengal CM Smt @MamataOfficial ji to inquire about the Bikaner-Guwahati Express mishap.
She assured to provide all help & assistance on ground and also keep us posted on the ongoing situation. I thank her for offering all her support to the victims.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 13, 2022
Extremely pained by the loss of lives in the horrific train mishap in North Bengal today. Condolences to the bereaved. Praying for the injured.
I spoke to Hon'ble Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw Ji
We are monitoring the situation and shall offer all possible assistance
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 13, 2022