Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express Derails: Latest Updates and Rescue Efforts

The Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed yesterday, causing significant disruptions and raising concerns about rail safety nationwide. The derailment occurred near Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, claiming at least 3 lives. As news of the accident spread, emergency services and railway officials quickly mobilized to the site, launching extensive rescue and relief operations.

The accident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the train was en route to Dibrugarh, Assam from Chandigarh. Initial reports suggest that several coaches of the train derailed near the Jhilahi and Motiganj railway stations, 30 km from Gonda town in Uttar Pradesh, causing a massive jolt that left at least three dead and 32 people injured. Out of the 21 coaches, five coaches of the AC compartment derailed a few kilometers before the Jhulahi railway station. The exact cause of the derailment is still under investigation, but the loco pilot claimed that he heard a minor explosion before the derailment. The central government has ordered a high-level probe into the matter.

 

Rescue and Relief Efforts

The railways activated its disaster management protocol as the accident scale became apparent. Ambulances lined the tracks, ferrying the injured to hospitals while medical camps were set up near the accident site to provide first aid and preliminary treatment. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with passengers helping each other out of the overturned coaches and forming human chains to assist the injured.

 

Statements from Officials

In a press conference held in Lucknow, railway officials expressed their deep regret over the incident and assured the public that every possible measure was being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers. The Railway Minister, who was in constant touch with the rescue teams, announced an ex-gratia payment for the families of the deceased and the injured.

“We are doing everything in our power to manage this unfortunate situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” the Railway Minister stated. He also mentioned that a high-level inquiry had been ordered to determine the cause of the derailment and prevent such accidents in the future.

 

Eyewitness Accounts

Survivors of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment shared harrowing accounts of the accident. “It was like a nightmare. The train suddenly shook violently, and before we knew it, we were thrown off our seats. People were screaming, and there was smoke everywhere,” recounted a passenger who was traveling to Assam to visit relatives.

Another passenger, who was returning home to Dibrugarh, described the moments after the derailment: “The coaches were turned upside down, and it was difficult to find a way out. But everyone came together to help each other. We managed to break a window and get out. The local villagers were the first to arrive and help us.”

 

Ongoing Investigations

As the rescue operations continue, the focus is also on understanding what led to the derailment. Experts are examining various factors, including track conditions, train speed, and mechanical failures. This second such incident in the past month, questioning safety protocols followed in Indian railways which are used by lakhs of people every day as the primary means of transportation. The Railway Minister has promised a thorough investigation, with findings to be made public to ensure transparency. 

 

Support for Victims

After the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express the Northeastern railways have set up helpline numbers for relatives and friends seeking information about passengers.

The derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our railway system. While the immediate priority is to rescue and care for the affected passengers, there is an urgent need to address the underlying issues to prevent such tragedies in the future. As investigations proceed and the railways work towards restoring normalcy, the thoughts and prayers of the entire country are with the victims and their families. The tragedy has cast a long shadow, but it has also ignited a resolve to make our railways safer and more reliable for all passengers.

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