Kolkata, India: At least nine people died and 36 were admitted to hospital on Thursday when a passenger train derailed in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal, a government official said.
Twelve coaches of a passenger train derailed near Moynaguri railway station in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, said Moumita Godara Basu, district magistrate of Jalpaiguri, the most senior government official of the district.
Many passengers are feared trapped inside the derailed coaches and gas cutters are being used to cut open the mangled coaches, according to Railway sources.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said he is “personally monitoring” the situation and that he has spoken to PM Narendra Modi and apprised him of the rescue operations.
“In an unfortunate accident, 12 Coaches of Bikaner - Guwahati Exp. derailed near New Maynaguri (West Bengal) this evening. Personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations,” he said in a tweet.
The train that originated from Bikaner in Rajasthan was heading to Guwahati in Assam via Patna when the accident took place near Domohani in Jalpaiguri around 5 pm on Thursday.
The train was merely passing Jalpaiguri at the time of the incident. It is estimated that over 1,000 passengers were on board, including 308 who boarded the train from Bikaner.
"Following a sudden jerk, several bogies overturned," a passenger told ANI.
Following the accident, the District Railway Manager (DMR) and the (Assistant Divisional Railway Manager) rushed to the site along with the accident relief train and medical van.
“Guwahati-Bikaner Express 15633 (up) derailed at about 5pm this evening. 12 coaches have been affected. DRM and ADRM rushed to the site along with accident relief train and medical van,” Indian Railways informed.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed "deep concern" over the tragic accident.
West Bengal CM said on Twitter: "Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations."
"Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible. The situation is being closely monitored from the State HQs," Banerjee further tweeted.
Meanwhile, Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said that all agencies were rendering full assistance and rescue operations were being carried out in full swing.
"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," the Governor said in a tweet.
A High-level Commissioner Railway Safety enquiry has been ordered in the accident.
