Guwahati bound Bikaner Express derails in North Bengal, 5 killed & several injured

Jan. 13: In a major train mishap, 12 coaches of the Guwahati-bound Bikaner Express derailed in the Moynaguri region of north Bengal on Thursday evening, leaving atleast five passengers dead and several injured. Taking to his twitter handle Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw wrote, “”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.”

At least 40 people have been rescued from the derailed coaches, 24 were sent to Jalpaiguri district hospital and 16 were sent to Moynaguri government hospital. About 10 people are critical and will be shifted to the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri, New Frontier Railway sources said. Many passengers are feared trapped inside the derailed coaches and gas cutters are being used to cut open the mangled coaches, according to Railway sources.

Dilip Kumar Singh, divisional railway manager of the Alipuarduar section of the North East Frontier Railway, told reporters “Several teams are rushing to the spot. I am on my way. This is a case of derailment. Our men are making efforts to rescue the injured. We have no exact figure on casualties.”

Taking to his twitter handle, Assam chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote, “Extremely pained by the loss of lives in the horrific train mishap in North Bengal today. Condolences to the bereaved. Praying for the injured. I spoke to Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnawJi We are monitoring the situation and shall offer all possible assistance.”