18 coaches of Mumbai-bound express derail after colliding with goods train, 2 dead

As many as 18 coaches of the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand on Tuesday after colliding with a goods train, killing two passengers and injuring several others. Rescue operations are currently underway.

In Short

• 6 injured in train derailment near Jharkhand's Chakradharpur
• Railways announces Rs 10 lakh compensation of victims' families
• Reason for train derailment being ascertained

At least two passengers were killed, and six others injured after 18 coaches of the Mumbai-bound Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand on Tuesday following a collision with a goods train. A rescue operation is currently underway at the accident site.

According to an official, the Railways has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the families of each of the two victims, while Rs 5 lah has been allotted for those with major injuries.

The accident happened at around 3.45 am in Bara Bambu village near Chakradharpur.

Ambulances and rescue teams rushed to the site soon after the derailment was notified.

Om Prakash Charan, a spokesperson for the South Eastern Railways (SER), told news agency PTI that there was another derailment of a goods train nearby, but it was not yet clear whether the two accidents occurred concurrently.

"At least 18 coaches of the 22-coach 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail via Nagpur derailed near Barabamboo station in SER's Chakradharpur division at 3.45 AM," he said.

Of these, 16 were passenger coaches, one power car and one pantry car, he said.

"Six passengers were injured in the accident and provided medical aid in Barabamboo. They are now being taken to Chakradharpur for better treatment," another senior SER official said.

The reason for the derailment was being ascertained, he added.

MANY TRAINS CANCELLED, DIVERTED

Meanwhile, three trains were cancelled, while one each was short-terminated and diverted as the route was affected after the derailment.

The cancelled trains were Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express (22861), Kharagpur-Dhanbad Express, and Hawrah-Barbil Express.

South Bihar Express (13288) was diverted, and Asansol Tata Memu Pass Special Train (08173) was short-terminated at Adra.

In an official statement, the Indian Railways said, "Train No. 12810 Howara-CSMT Express has derailed near Chakradharpur, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo in Chakradharpur division."

"ARME with Staff and ADRM CKP on site. 6 persons have been injured. All have been given first aid by the Railway medical team," it said.

HELPLINE NUMBERS ISSUED

In the wake of the train derailment, the Indian Railways issued some emergency numbers, which are as follows -

• Tatanagar: 06572290324
• Chakradharpur: 06587 238072
• Rourkela: 06612501072, 06612500244
• Howrah: 9433357920, 03326382217
• Ranchi: 0651-27-87115
• HWH Help Desk: 033-26382217, 9433357920
• SHM Help Desk: 6295531471, 7595074427
• KGP Help Desk: 03222-293764
• CSMT Helpline Auto no 55993
• P&T: 022-22694040
• Mumbai: 022-22694040
• Nagpur: 7757912790

MAMATA BANERJEE QUESTIONS GOVERNANCE

In an X post, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offered condolences to the families of those killed in the train accident. She also questioned the governance over the accident.

"Another disastrous rail accident! Howrah- Mumbai mail derails in Chakradharpur division in Jharkhand today early morning, multiple deaths and huge number of injuries are the tragic consequences. I seriously ask: is this governance?," she tweeted.

"This series of nightmares almost every week, this unending procession of deaths and injuries on railway tracks: for how long shall we tolerate this? Will there be no end to the callousness of Government of India?! My heart goes out to the bereaved families, condolences to the next of kin," the Chief Minister said.