In a tragic incident, 18 coaches of the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand early on Tuesday, resulting in the death of one person and injuring several others. The derailment occurred around 3.45 am in Bara Bambu village near Chakradharpur. Rescue operations were promptly initiated, with ambulances and rescue teams rushing to the site upon notification of the derailment. The accident scene was chaotic, with first responders working tirelessly to extricate passengers trapped in the derailed coaches.
Om Prakash Charan, a spokesperson for the South Eastern Railways (SER), reported another nearby derailment involving a goods train, although it was unclear whether the two incidents occurred simultaneously. According to Charan, the 22-coach Howrah-Mumbai Mail via Nagpur derailed near Barabamboo station in SER's Chakradharpur division. Of the derailed coaches, 16 were passenger coaches, one was a power car, and one was a pantry car. Six passengers sustained injuries and received initial medical aid at Barabamboo before being transferred to Chakradharpur for better treatment. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation.
As a result of the derailment, several trains were either canceled, diverted, or short-terminated. The canceled trains include the Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express (22861), Kharagpur-Dhanbad Express, and Howrah-Barbil Express. The South Bihar Express (13288) was diverted, and the Asansol Tata Memu Pass Special Train (08173) was short-terminated at Adra. Passengers affected by these changes faced significant disruptions, adding to the overall distress caused by the derailment.
In an official statement, the Indian Railways confirmed the derailment and the initiation of rescue operations. They stated that six individuals were injured and received first aid from the Railway medical team. This swift response from medical teams undoubtedly helped stabilize the injured and prevented further casualties. The Railways assured that every effort was being made to assist those affected by the accident.
To assist those affected by the derailment, the Indian Railways issued several emergency helpline numbers to provide information and support. These helpline numbers included contacts for stations such as Tatanagar, Chakradharpur, Rourkela, Howrah, Ranchi, and others. The provision of these helplines was crucial in ensuring that relatives and friends of the passengers could receive timely updates about their loved ones.
The situation is being closely monitored, and rescue operations continue as efforts are made to aid those affected by the derailment. Emergency services, railway officials, and local authorities are working around the clock to manage the aftermath of the accident. The focus remains on rescuing those still trapped, providing medical care to the injured, and restoring normalcy to the affected railway services. The incident has once again highlighted the need for stringent safety measures and protocols to prevent such accidents in the future. As investigations proceed, the railway authorities are expected to take corrective actions to enhance the safety and reliability of train operations across the country.
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