Seven victims have been dead, and more than 45 others were injured after the Bikaner-
Guwahati Express sank near Jalpaiguri, located in West Bengal, on Thursday (January 13).
However, even as early as dawn early on Friday, efforts were in progress with some
passengers still trapped inside two train coaches.
According to media reports, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is scheduled to visit
the train crash site today.
“Seven passengers have perished in the last 24 hours. In addition, four bodies were
recovered from the site of the accident.
At the same time, three were admitted to hospitals,” Jalpaiguri District Magistrate Moumita
Godara Basu told PTI Thursday night, adding that at least 45 people were injured during
the incident.
“Since sure they are in critical condition the deat,h toll could rise.
So we’re now using cranes to take the damaged compartments off,” she said, noting that
rescuers thoroughly searched every coach for bodies and survivors in the dark and thick
fog.
In the meantime, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has rushed two teams to help
trapped passengers after several bogies from the Guwahati Bikaner Express (15633) were
sunk.
The injured are receiving treatment in the hospitals of Maynaguri and Jalpaiguri.
According to a railway official on the streets of New Delhi, the Commissioner for Railway
Safety will conduct an inquiry into the root of the incident.
Additionally, TMC member Saugata Roy believes Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav should
explicitly state the incident.
“It is believed that there was a crack in the track. It must be investigated. The railway
minister should make specific information regarding the incident.” ANI quoted Roy.
Premier Narendra Modi also took stock of the situation on Thursday and announced a
higher amount of compensation, ex gratia, to the incident victims.
The Railways have announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh for those who are severely
injured and the amount of Rs 25,000 for those suffering little or no injuries Federal Railway
Minister Ashwini Vaishnawsaid.
“Enhanced quantity of ex-gratia compensation for the victims of this tragic accident five
Lakh in the event of death or serious injury, one Lakh to grievous injuries, and minor
injury,” Vaishnav tweeted.
Media representatives were briefed on the incident; Guneet Kaur, Chief PROof the North-
East Frontier Railway, Guwahati, has said, “Accident was reported at around 5 pm in the
area between Domohani between New Maynaguri and Domohani.
New Maynaguri. A total of 10 coaches were injured. Three people died, and 20 were
wounded.
“An ex-gratia payment has also been given to the passengers who were affected. In
addition, an investigation of a high-level has also been requested,” she added.
There were 1,053 people aboard this train during a derailment. On Thursday evening, the
accident occurred close to Domohani, located in West Bengal.
