Gonda, Uttar Pradesh: In a tragic derailment incident, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express suffered a catastrophic mishap between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway stations, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuries to 34 passengers on Thursday afternoon.
The derailment, which occurred at approximately 2:35 PM, sent shockwaves through the region as emergency response teams rushed to the scene. Ambulances and medical personnel mobilized promptly from Lucknow and nearby areas, struggled initially due to adverse weather conditions but managed to reach the site swiftly.
Officials have confirmed the identities of the deceased as Saroj Kumar Singh from Bihar and Rahul from Chandigarh. Meanwhile, the injured have been admitted to local healthcare facilities, including community health centers and district hospitals, for necessary medical treatment.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing moments preceding the derailment, with reports suggesting a perceived explosion-like sound just before the incident unfolded. Sandeep Kumar, a survivor, described scenes of chaos and darkness immediately following the train’s abrupt derailment, while Dileep Singh, another passenger, recalled being thrown from his berth during the tumult.
In response to the tragedy, a 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances were deployed to the accident site, overcoming initial challenges posed by inclement weather. Local Member of Parliament Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the scene to coordinate relief efforts and announced arrangements for a special train to transport affected passengers to Gorakhpur.
Political figures have weighed in on the incident, with opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticizing the government’s handling of rail safety. Kharge demanded accountability from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of the Kavach anti-collision system across all railway networks to prevent future tragedies.
