Patana, Oct 12: Tragedy struck on a fateful evening in Bihar’s Buxar district when the North East Express, a lifeline connecting Delhi to Guwahati, derailed near Raghunathpur railway station. The harrowing incident claimed four lives and left 70 individuals injured.
The train, en route from Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi to Kamakhya Junction in Assam’s Guwahati, suffered a catastrophic derailment at 9:53 pm. This mishap disrupted the lives of many passengers who were onboard, marking a grim day in the annals of India’s railway history.
The North East Express, comprising 23 coaches, had commenced its journey at 7:40 am from Anand Vihar Terminal, commencing a gruelling 33-hour expedition towards its final destination, Kamakhya.
Tragically, this journey took a dark turn just before reaching its destination. Six coaches of the train bore the brunt of the derailment. Shockingly, two AC 3 Tier coaches toppled over, while four other coaches veered off the tracks. The accident unfolded on the main line of Raghunathpur station, sending shockwaves through the local community and the entire nation.
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In the wake of the disaster, Buxar Superintendent of Police, Manish Kumar, disclosed that four passengers had tragically lost their lives. The injured, numbering at least 70, were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for immediate medical attention.
Those with severe injuries were urgently transferred to AIIMS, Patna, where the best medical care was extended to them. The government took swift action to launch relief efforts, dispatching ambulances and medical personnel to the accident site to provide essential assistance to the injured.
In the midst of this tragic incident, the Indian Railways had to make difficult decisions to ensure the safety of passengers and the efficient operation of other trains on the affected route. As a result, at least 21 trains, including the prestigious Rajdhani Express connecting Delhi to Dibrugarh, were diverted. Two additional trains, the Kashi Patna Jan Shatabdi Express (15125) and the Patna Kashi Jan Shatabdi Express (15126), were regrettably canceled, further disrupting the travel plans of numerous passengers. The East Central Railway zone issued a statement detailing these changes in train operations.
Hari Pathak, a local resident, recounted the terrifying moment when the incident unfolded. He described how the train was moving at a normal speed before a deafening noise resonated, followed by a plume of smoke emanating from the train. Rushing to the scene, he and others witnessed the shocking sight of a derailed train, with the AC coaches suffering significant damage. This eyewitness account provides a glimpse into the chaos and panic that engulfed the accident site.
In response to this catastrophe, war rooms were promptly established to oversee the rescue and restoration efforts. Railway officials tirelessly worked to restore the affected line, with the priority being to ensure the safety of passengers and the efficient operation of the railway network. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his condolences for the lives lost and pledged to uncover the root cause of the derailment. He also affirmed that restoration work was progressing, and a train had been arranged to transport stranded passengers to Guwahati.
Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, who represents Buxar in the Parliament, was informed about the derailment and swiftly made his way to Raghunathpur to assess the situation. He engaged with railway and district officials to coordinate efforts aimed at alleviating the consequences of the accident.
In his words, “A tragic incident happened in the Buxar area as some coaches of the North East Superfast train derailed at Raghunathpur station. I have come to know that three coaches have derailed. I have also spoken to the NDRF DG, Chief Secretary, District Magistrate, Director General, and General Manager of Railways.”
The derailment of the North East Express serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks that India’s vast railway network faces. As authorities investigate the incident, the priority remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and enhancing the security measures that protect the nation’s lifeline. While the disrupted travel plans of many passengers may be a short-term inconvenience, the long-term goal is to strengthen and fortify India’s railways to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
