UP: Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derails in Gonda; 3 dead, 33 injured

Three passengers lost their lives and 33 others sustained injuries when eight coaches of the 15904 Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday.

- SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

The accident occurred on the downline between Motiganj and Jhilahi stations, part of the North Eastern Railway’s Barabanki-Gorakhpur train segment. Pankaj Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Eastern Railways, confirmed the details of the accident.

The deceased were identified as Saroj Kumar Singh (31) from Araria, Bihar, and Rahul (38) from Chandigarh. One dead person remains unidentified.

Thirty of the injured were receiving treatment at two community health centres, with three others taken to the district hospital. In addition to Rahul, another passenger was transferred to Lucknow.

The Railway Ministry has initiated an investigation into the accident, and preliminary reports suggest that the loco pilot heard an explosion sound before the derailment occurred. Even passengers travelling on the train confirmed the sound of an explosion. Reports suggested that the loco pilot broke down while reporting the incident. In addition to the Conciliation and Settlement (CRS) inquiry, a high-level inquiry has been ordered to thoroughly investigate the incident. The CRS has the power to summon and enforce the attendance of any individual relevant to the investigation, examine witnesses, and receive testimony under oath.