Train Accident Today: Bikaner Guwahati Express derails near Jalpaiguri West Bengal; 9 Deaths and around 36 Injured

Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment: The death toll has risen to 9 in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express train accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal on January 13, 2022. The rescue operation is over and over 36 injured people have been admitted to different hospitals. The other passengers were sent to Guwahati by a special train, informed Union minister John Barla. 

According to Assam's Special DGP (Law and Order) GP Singh, the special relief train started at about 9.50pm from yesterday from the accident site and will stop at New Alipurduar for food and then at Bongaigaon, Barpeta Road, Rangia, Kamakhya and Guwahati Railway Station. 

The district police administration were advised to provide all arrangement for stay, transport, refreshments for inbound passengers. The relief train reached New Bongaigaon Railway Station at around 2.30 am in the morning today. 

NDRF DG Atul Karwal had earlier informed that 12 coaches have been derailed. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma had spoken to both Union Railway Minister and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee regarding derailment of Bikaner-Guwahati Express near Jalpaiguri. He said that the West Bengal CM has assured all assistance on the ground and will keep Assam Government updated on the ongoing situation.

What exactly happened?

The Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed near Domohani in West Bengal at about 5pm yesterday evening. Around 12 coaches were affected, out of which seven have been damaged badly. Few of the coaches have crashed on top of the other. At least 4 people have died in the accident and more than 50 injured. 

The DRM and ADRM have rushed to the site along with accident relief train and medical van. As per a passenger's account, "following a sudden jerk several bogies overturned. There are casualties." There were many people who were trapped inside the train and civil defence and NDRF teams were deployed to rescue them as soon as possible.  All the injured passengers were taken to Jalpaigudi District Hospital and New Moinagudi district hospital.

TMC MP  Saugata Roy was quoted saying that it is suspected that there was a crack on the track and it should be investigated. He also appealed to the Railway Minister to give a statement on the same. 

Railway Helpline numbers

All those who want to get information regarding Guwahati-Bikaner Express- Train no 15633 can dial the following helpline numbers:

1. Patna junction - 9341506016

2. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Jn- 7388898100

3. Danapur 7759070004

4. Sonpur 9771429999

Railway Helpline numbers - 03612731622, 03612731623

According to Rajesh Kumar, Chief Reservation Supervisor of Patna Junction, Bihar, said that 98 passengers had boarded the Guwahati-Bikaner Express from Patna junction and 3 people from Mokama and 2 people from Bakhtiarpur.

NDRF DG Atul Karwal has said that two teams of NDRF have been deployed and will reach the accident spot shortly to rescue people in the Guwahati-Bikaner Express accident in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted saying that he has taken the stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly," said PM Modi.

Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2022

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the injured will receive medical attention as early as possible and that the DM/SP/IG are supervising rescue and relief in Bikaner-Guwahati Express accident.

Situation being closely monitored from the State HQs.

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 13, 2022

Ex gratia relief of Rs 5 lakh announced

The Indian Railways has announced ex gratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs for deceased and Rs 1 lakh for severely injured and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries.

#UPDATE | Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailment: Ex gratia relief of Rs 5 lakhs for deceased, Rs 1 lakh for severely injured, and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries: Indian Railways

— ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2022

Stay tuned for more updates.