Seven people died and 30 were injured as New Farakka Express derailed in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh today. Around 6:00 A.M., the engine and 6 coaches of the train running from Malda, West Bengal to New Delhi derailed 50 metres from Harchandpur railway station.
The incident happened due to the train getting onto the wrong railway track. In the context of safety measures, all the lines on the railway track, both to and fro, are blocked. Anand Kumar, Additional Director General (ADG,) Law and Order assured safety measures are being taken and rescue operations are underway and said drones are being used to monitor the accident site.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Varanasi and Lucknow rushed to the accident site to help those affected. Piyush Goyal, Railway Minister directed the officials to set up relief camps and make every possible arrangement for medical treatment on the spot. Some victims have been taken to local hospitals and hospitals in Varanasi for treatment. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board reached the spot and took control of the rescue operations.
Helpline numbers have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction (Mughalsarai) and Patna Station to reach the victims and for all necessary inquiries. The helpline numbers are 05412-254145 (BSNL,) 027-73677 (Railway) for Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, whereas for Patna Station they are 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-2202292 (BSNL) and 025-83288 (Railway.)
Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, expressed sympathy for the loss of lives and announced a compensation of Rs. 2 lakhs each to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the severely injured victims.
Rescue operations are still going on at the accident site. For more updates, stay tuned.
