‘There was a mild explosion…’: Passenger aboard Dibrugarh Express speaks on train accident

GONDA (Uttar Pradesh): After the Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda on Thursday, claiming the lives of two people and leaving 20 injured, a passenger travelling in the train said that there was a mild explosion before the incident.

“I had to go to Hajipur. Fifteen minutes after leaving Gonda, the train tilted left and right twice and then the third time, we all fell on the left side. There was a mild explosion before the incident and, after that, a strong jolt was felt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh”, the passenger said.

#WATCH | Gonda Train Derailment | A passenger travelling in the Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express claims, “I had to go to Hajipur… There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh…” pic.twitter.com/ytD0UhSfWB

— ANI (@ANI) July 18, 2024

The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those who are grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to the minor injured in the accident. “Apart from the CRS inquiry, a high-level inquiry has been ordered”, the Ministry of Railways said.

Neha Sharma, DM Gonda, said that two people have died and about 20 people have been injured. “The injured are being treated. The passengers will be taken to their destination by a rescue special train”, she said.

Speaking on the accident, Project Director Relief Commissioner, Aditi Umrao said that helpline numbers have been issued and rescue operations are under way. “Two coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh train have derailed. Two people have lost their lives and around 26 people are injured. The DM, SP and other officials are present at the spot.

“Ambulances, three SDRF teams and two NDRF teams have been deployed. Helpline numbers have been issued. Rahat Helpline 1070 is activated 24×7. The rescue operation is towards completion as all the coaches have been explored by the SDRF teams”, Umrao said.

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the passengers will be taken to their respective destinations by a special train. “I have met all the officials. All the injured people have been sent to Mankapur CHC and Gonda. We are making arrangements to take the rest of the passengers to the main road and the administration is also making arrangements. A bus has been arranged for them so that they can reach Mankapur railway station. A special relief train will come from Gorakhpur and the passengers will be taken to their respective places,” Singh said. (ANI)