• Dibrugarh express train derails near UP's Gonda, 4 passengers die as around 10 bogies off track

    National
    Dibrugarh express train derails near UP's Gonda, 4 passengers die as  around 10 bogies off track
    A 40-member medical team, accompanied by 15 ambulances, is already at the location, with additional ambulances en route...

    Digital Desk: In a tragic incident, as many as four passengers lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries when several coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda district. The derailment occurred in Pikaura, between Gonda and Jhilahi.

    A rescue team has been dispatched to the site to conduct relief operations. Visuals from the scene show passengers standing beside the tracks with their luggage. Train number 15904 was en route to Dibrugarh in Assam from Chandigarh.

    A 40-member medical team, accompanied by 15 ambulances, is already at the location, with additional ambulances en route. Both the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police of Gonda are present, and four State Disaster Response Force teams have been deployed.

    Out of the 12 coaches, four AC compartment coaches derailed a few kilometers before reaching Jhilahi railway station. This derailment has affected several trains on the route, with some being diverted. According to Pankaj Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Eastern Railways, the routes of the Katihar-Amritsar Express and Guwahati-Shrimata Vaishnodevi Katra Express have been diverted.

    "I had a close shave, glad to be safe. Don't worry I am fine," said a passenger who was onboard the train. Videos from the accident site show people retrieving their luggage from the derailed coaches, with one coach flipped onto its side and passengers standing on top.

    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been briefed about the accident, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The railway medical team has reached the site, and North Eastern Railways has issued helpline numbers for affected passengers and their families:

    - Commercial Control: 9957555984
    - Furkating (FKG): 9957555966
    - Mariani (MXN): 6001882410
    - Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798
    - Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959
    - Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960

    Additionally, a helpline for assistance has been given:

    - Lucknow: 8957409292
    - Gonda: 8957400965

    As rescue and relief operations continue, authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and provide support to those affected by this unfortunate accident.