Distressing visuals have surfaced of multiple passengers trapped in the debris after a train accident in North Bengal.
12 coaches of the Guwahati-Bikaner Express train derailed near the Maynaguri town of Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on Thursday. At least eight people have been killed and 45 injured.
The accident on the Guwahati-Bikaner Express occurred at around 5pm local time on Thursday, Jan. 13, near Moynaguri in the state of West Bengal in India.
It was gathered that 24 of the injured were sent to Jalpaiguri district hospital and 16 were sent to Moynaguri government hospital. The critical passengers will be shifted to the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri, New Frontier Railway sources said.
According to the Railway sources many passengers are feared trapped inside the derailed, coaches and gas cutters are being used to cut and open the mangled coaches.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said he is “personally monitoring” the situation and that he has spoken to PM Narendra Modi and apprised him of the rescue operations. “We will fulfill all of our duties,” he has said.
At least 50 injured were rescued, as per West Bengal government sources. 10 have been critically injured, sources added. 24 of the injured were sent to Jalpaiguri district hospital and 16 were sent to Moynaguri government hospital. The critical passengers will be shifted to the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri, New Frontier Railway sources said.
“In an unfortunate accident, 12 Coaches of Bikaner – Guwahati Exp. derailed near New Maynaguri (West Bengal) this evening. Personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations,” he said in a tweet.
The Minister told the reporters that “I am reaching the site tomorrow morning. Medical teams, senior officers at the spot. PM Modi also took stock of the situation and rescue operation. Our focus is on rescue. Ex-gratia also announced,”.
A High-level Commissioner Railway Safety inquiry has been ordered in the accident. Chairperson of the Railway Board and DG (Safety), Railway Board are leaving from Delhi to the site of the accident.
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