Passengers recount nightmare after Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express in Bihar derails; four dead, several injured
Damaged carriages near Raghunathpur railway station some 44 Km from Buxar. Pic/PTI
Coaches can be seen strewn on both sides of the track, a few of these several feet away, in Raghunathpur, a non-descript town in Buxar district of Bihar where the North East Express derailed late Wednesday night. Four AC coaches, all of which have jumped the rails but remained coupled, form a scary serpentine pattern with shattered window panes serving as a telltale sign.
ADVERTISEMENT
The guard of the Assam-bound train, Vijay Kumar, recalls having fallen unconscious by the impact of the derailment. “I was busy with my paperwork when I realised that the driver suddenly applied brakes. This was followed by a few jerks and I fainted. Later, I found myself in the adjoining fields, where villagers were sprinkling drops of water on my face,” said Kumar, who has sustained minor injuries. With the rescue of passengers complete, the focus is now on restoration.
The entire area has been cordoned off as villagers watch gigantic cranes and machinery used for cutting through metal at work. They feel that given the scale of devastation, it may be several days before the tracks are again fit for traffic. Railways, though, insist that it will not take that long.
Also read: Operation Ajay: Flight carrying 212 Indians from Israel lands in Delhi
Fault in tracks likely cause: report
A fault in the tracks was the possible cause of derailment, sources said on Thursday citing a preliminary investigation report. The report, signed by six railway officials including the driver of the ill-fated train, stated, “It seems that derailment occurred due to fault in tracks.” It estimated the cost of damage due to the accident at more than Rs 52 crore. The loco pilot was partially injured and his assistant suffered serious injuries in the accident Wednesday night. The investigation report also contained a statement by the loco pilot.
Rs 52cr
Estimated cost of damage
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
