A tragic train accident occurred early Tuesday morning when the Howrah-CSMT Express derailed in Jharkhand, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to several others. The derailment involved 18 coaches of the Mumbai-bound train following a collision with a goods train, and rescue operations are currently underway.
Incident Overview
The accident took place around 3:45 AM in Bara Bambu village near Chakradharpur. As soon as the derailment was reported, ambulances and rescue teams swiftly arrived at the scene to aid the victims. According to Om Prakash Charan, spokesperson for the South Eastern Railways (SER), there was another derailment of a goods train nearby. However, it remains unclear whether these incidents were connected.
Details of the Accident
The Howrah-CSMT Express, a 22-coach train, experienced the derailment near Barabamboo station in SER’s Chakradharpur division. Among the 18 derailed coaches were 16 passenger coaches, one power car, and one pantry car. Six passengers were injured and received medical attention in Barabamboo before being transferred to Chakradharpur for further treatment.
Compensation Announced
The Railways have announced compensation for the victims: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for those with major injuries. The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation.
Impact on Train Services
The derailment has significantly affected train services in the area. The following trains were canceled:
- Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express (22861)
- Kharagpur-Dhanbad Express
- Howrah-Barbil Express
Additionally, the South Bihar Express (13288) was diverted, and the Asansol Tata Memu Pass Special Train (08173) was short-terminated at Adra.
Official Statement and Rescue Efforts
In an official statement, the Indian Railways confirmed the derailment near Chakradharpur, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo. The statement noted that the ARME (Accident Relief Medical Equipment) with staff and the ADRM (Additional Divisional Railway Manager) of Chakradharpur were on-site to manage the situation and provide first aid to the injured.
Helpline Numbers
The Indian Railways has issued the following emergency helpline numbers for those seeking information about the accident:
- Tatanagar: 06572290324
- Chakradharpur: 06587 238072
- Rourkela: 0661-2501072, 0661-2500244
- Howrah: 9433357920, 033-26382217
- Ranchi: 0651-27-87115
- HWH Help Desk: 033-26382217, 9433357920
- SHM Help Desk: 6295531471, 7595074427
- KGP Help Desk: 03222-293764
- CSMT Helpline Auto no 55993
- P&T: 022-22694040
- Mumbai: 022-22694040
- Nagpur: 7757912790
Political Reactions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her condolences to the families of those killed in the accident and raised concerns about governance and railway safety. In her statement on X (formerly Twitter), she questioned the government’s handling of frequent railway accidents and urged for better safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Follow us on social media for real-time news updates:
