West Bengal, 13 Jan 2022: Multiple passengers trapped in the debris after a train accident in North Bengal. The Guwahati-Bikaner Express train derailed in the Jalpaiguri district near Maynaguri town in West Bengal today. At least three people have been killed and over 20 injured as per the statement of Moumita Godala Basu, District Magistrate of Jalpaiguri.
As per the source, the injured were first taken to a government hospital at Moynaguri. The serious passengers are being transferred to the Jalpaiguri district hospital.
Many passengers are feared trapped inside the derailed coaches and as per railway sources, gas cutters are being used to cut open the mangled coaches.
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.
Compensation of ₹ 5 lakh for death, ₹ 1 lakh for grievous injury, and ₹ 25,000 for “simple injuries” has been announced.
From accident site visuals, it is seen that people are being rescued from the debris of multiple damaged train coaches. They are lying sideways next to the elevated train tracks. Police can be seen on-site, with locals and other passengers helping in relief and rescue operations.
As per northeast Frontier Railway sources, at least five coaches of the train were derailed, and as per them, the numbers can go up.
Rescue trains from New Jalpaiguri and New Alipurduar have been rushed to the spot.
Helpline Numbers for New Jalpaiguri Junction and Katihar.
New Jalpaiguri Junction – 9002041951 9002041955.
Katihar – 9002041952, 06452230692.
