At least seven people lost their lives after nine couches of 12487 Seemanchal Express derailed in Vaishali district of Bihar on Sunday morning.
A total of 11 coaches have been affected due to the derailment. Three out of 11 coaches had capsized.
The train was running between Jogbani and Anand Vihar Terminal. The incident occurred at around 3:58 am. The rescue work has almost been completed. The injured are being transported to local hospitals. The Indian Railway has ordered an enquiry into the train derailment.
Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers for Seemanchal Express derailment:
Sonpur — 06158221645
Hajipur —06224272230
Barauni — 0627923222
Railway Minister is in touch with Railway Board members and GM ECR regarding #seemanchalexpress accident. Relief and rescue operations are underway. He has expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives in this tragic accident and wished speedy recovery for the injured.
— Piyush Goyal Office (@PiyushGoyalOffc) February 3, 2019
All passenger trains on this route have been cancelled and Uttar Pradesh trains for Chapra have been diverted via Muzaffarpur (MFP)-Chapra.
“We are focusing on rescue and relief operations right now. Railway Accident Medical Van along with team of doctors are at site. Two teams of NDRF have also reached the spot,” Smita Vats Sharma, Additional Director General PR (Rail) said.
Bihar Cheif minister also expressed his over the incident and has directed the administration to provide all kind of assistance, reports ANI.
The railways has announced ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of every deceased. Rs. 1 lakh would be given to the grievously injured and Rs. 50,000 to those who suffered minor injuries. All medical expenses will also be borne by Railways.