Tragedy Strikes: Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derails in Gonda
In a devastating turn of events, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the loss of four lives and leaving 31 passengers injured. The incident occurred between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations, approximately 150 kilometers from the state capital, along the Gonda-Gorakhpur section of the Northeast Railway.
Emergency Response and Rescue Efforts
As news of the derailment spread, emergency response teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were swiftly deployed to the accident site. The immediate focus was on rescuing trapped passengers and providing medical assistance to the injured.
District Magistrate Neha Sharma confirmed the grim toll, stating, “So far, four passengers have tragically lost their lives, and 31 are injured. The condition of several individuals remains critical.” The deceased have been identified as Rahul (38), Saroj Kumar Singh (31), and two other passengers whose identities are yet to be confirmed.
Investigation Underway to Determine Cause
A high-level investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of this calamitous derailment. Railway authorities have dispatched a technical team to the site to gather evidence, including samples and photographs. Preliminary findings suggest that track buckling due to extreme heat may have been a contributing factor, but a thorough inquiry is underway to confirm this.
Restoring Rail Operations and Supporting Victims
While the investigation proceeds, the railway administration is working tirelessly to restore normal rail traffic by clearing the damaged coaches from the tracks. Restoration efforts have been ongoing throughout the night, utilizing generator-powered lights, and a team of 800 railway employees is actively involved in the repair work.
General Manager of Northeast Railway, Saumya Mathur, is overseeing the situation on-site, ensuring that restoration efforts progress smoothly. The damaged coaches have been separated using gas cutters, and cranes are being employed to remove overturned coaches. Efforts are also underway to re-lay the uprooted rail track and restore the damaged electrical infrastructure.
Assistance for Affected Passengers
In the aftermath of the accident, a special train was arranged to transport 600 passengers from the derailed Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express to Assam. District Magistrate Neha Sharma personally interacted with the passengers to ensure their well-being and address any concerns they might have had.
The injured passengers have been admitted to various medical facilities, including the district hospital and the railway’s empanelled hospital. Critically injured passengers have been transferred to Lucknow’s trauma center for specialized care.
Government Response and Compensation
The railway ministry has announced an enhanced ex-gratia amount of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for those with grievous injuries, and ₹50,000 for passengers with minor injuries. In addition to the ongoing investigation by the Commission of Railway Safety, the ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Summary
The derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express near Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in four fatalities and numerous injuries. Rescue operations, investigations, and track restoration efforts are underway. The government has announced compensation for the victims and their families, and a high-level inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the accident.
Key Learnings
| Key Points |
|---|
| Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in four deaths and 31 injuries. |
| Rescue teams from SDRF and NDRF deployed for rescue and medical assistance. |
| High-level investigation initiated to determine the cause of the derailment. |
| Track restoration efforts underway to resume normal rail traffic. |
| Enhanced compensation announced for victims and their families. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
