Train Derailment Near Raghunathpur Railway Station
A tragic train derailment near Raghunathpur railway station in Bihar’s Buxar district led to four casualties and several injuries. The incident occurred when 23 coaches of the North East Express, en route from Delhi to Assam, derailed around 9:51 pm. As railway authorities worked swiftly to restore the tracks, initial investigations have raised concerns about a potential engineering fault contributing to the mishap.
Restoration of Railway Line
The East Central Railway (ECR) has announced that the railway line at the accident site has been successfully restored, allowing for a trial run. Within just 48 hours of the devastating tragedy, the up and down train lines have been normalized, with train movement set to resume. The efficient removal of debris from the tracks enabled this swift restoration. While progress has been made, the memories of the unfortunate event still linger in the minds of many.
Important Information regarding trains affected due to derailment of Train no. 12506.
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 12, 2023
List of trains diverted/delayed/short terminated/cancelled/rescheduled due to derailment of train no. 12506. pic.twitter.com/5DocPXbJ4k
Casualties and Injured
The derailment had grim consequences, resulting in the loss of four lives and causing numerous injuries. The injured passengers received immediate medical attention in Buxar town and the nearby Ara region. AIIMS Patna, a prominent healthcare facility, played a vital role in treating those wounded in the accident. Of the 25 individuals admitted to AIIMS Patna, nine have already been discharged, while 16 continue to receive medical care, emphasizing the severity of the incident.
#WATCH | Bihar: North East Express train derailment: A special train arrives at the Raghunathpur station to bring stranded passengers.
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2023
As per the General Manager of East Central Railway, 4 people died and several injured after 21 coaches of the North East Express train derailed… pic.twitter.com/saoNhROl6w
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Preliminary investigations indicate a potential fault in the railway tracks. Responsibility for the maintenance and inspection of tracks falls under the Engineering Department of the Railways. An engineering lapse leading to such a catastrophic event is a matter of great concern. It requires a thorough inquiry.
Statements from Key Witnesses
The commissioner of railway safety (CRS) has initiated an investigation into the incident and has recorded statements from various individuals who played a critical role in the events leading to the derailment. Gateman Nand Kishore Singh, an eyewitness to the incident, reported witnessing sparking and hearing loud noises as the train passed. His testimony will be crucial in reconstructing the events leading up to the derailment.
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Loco pilot Bipin Kumar Sinha, a key witness and responsible for the train’s operation, shared that he experienced heavy vibrations and jerks in the rear portion of the locomotive as the train was crossing Raghunathpur signal and a railway crossing. Additionally, a decrease in pressure within the brake pipe was noted, signaling a critical moment during the train’s journey. These accounts provide valuable insights into the circumstances surrounding the derailment.
Awaiting the Final Report
The initial investigations have uncovered significant details about the train derailment. The commissioner of railway safety is expected to compile and present a comprehensive final report within the next couple of weeks. The findings from this report will offer a more detailed understanding of the incident’s causes and potential factors contributing to the tragedy.
