1 killed as train derails,hits another

The derailed coaches of the Bengaluru-bound train,which left Guwahati at 6:30 am on Sunday,included two parcel bogies and a general compartment. The two parcel bogies fell into a ditch after the impact.

“A major disaster has been averted. One bogie of the Azimgunj passenger climbed over another another bogie. So far one person has died. The number of deaths can increase,” Sabina Yeasmin,Minister of State for Labour,who is overseeing rescue operations,told The Indian Express over the phone.

Eyewitnesses claimed a fire broke out after the impact. Yeasmin and Minister for Women and Child Development Sabitri Mitra were supervising the rescue operations.

Railway spokesperson Anil Kumar Saxena said the body of an elderly woman was found near the derailed engine of the Guwahati-Bengaluru Express

Nripen Bhattacharya,Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Frontier Railway,said train services have come to a halt on the route. Five trains,including the Padatik Express and Gour Banga Express,have been cancelled. The accident also triggered a huge traffic snarl on NH 34 that runs parallel to the train line.

“We are trying to normalise the situation. We will investigate the cause of derailment and accident. All facilities are being extended to stranded passengers,” said Dinesh Trivedi,Union Minister for Railways.

He said a body had been found at the site.

Senior Railway officials,including General Manager of Eastern Railway and members officers of the district administration have left for the spot.

Locals said relief work is taking time and one bogie climbed on to another. The injured have been admitted in nearby hospitals. The Railways have opened helplines at Howrah and Malda stations.

South Western Railway has set up a help line for relatives of injured passengers of the Guwahati-Bangalore Express. Railway spokesman Narendra said the helpline numbers are (080) 22356409 or 2235 6410.

(With ENS,Delhi)