New Delhi: At least four persons died and 20 were injured as the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. The cause of the accident is being ascertained. Two trains have been cancelled and 11 trains diverted due to the accident.
Emergency teams have been dispatched. The Indian Railways said the accident occurred around 2.35 pm. The train was coming from Chandigarh and the incident occurred between Gonda and Jhilaahi near Pikaura, causing significant damage to several coaches and panic among passengers.
Passengers were seen standing by the tracks with their luggage, and visuals show derailed coaches, including one flipped on its side. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to expedite relief operations and ensure timely treatment for the injured.
In a post on X, the CM office said, “Taking cognizance of the train accident in Gonda district, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the district administration officials to reach the spot and expedite the relief work. The Chief Minister has instructed the officials to immediately take the injured to the hospital and provide them proper treatment. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, read a post sent out by chief minister’s office.”
Assam chief minister Himanata Biswa Sarma’s office said that he was closely monitoring the situation. Taking to X, it said, “HCM Dr Himanta Biswa has been briefed about the derailment of Dibrugarh – Chandigarh express in Uttar Pradesh. HCM is monitoring the situation and the Government of Assam is in touch with relevant authorities.”
Railway officials reached the spot as soon as they received news of the accident. According to officials, the rescue operation began. An additional railway rescue team is also being dispatched from Gorakhpur and Gonda.
In response to the derailment, helpline numbers have been established for assistance:
– LJN: 8957409292
– GD: 8957400965
– Commercial Control: 9957555984
– Furkating (FKG): 9957555966
– Mariani (MXN): 6001882410
– Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798
– Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959
– Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960