Tragic Train Derailment in Jharkhand: 2 Dead, 20 Injured

A tragic accident occurred when the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed in Jharkhand early on Tuesday, resulting in two fatalities and 20 injuries. The derailment took place near Barabamboo, and relief operations are ongoing. Several trains have been canceled or diverted, and ex gratia has been announced for the victims.

In a tragic incident early Tuesday morning, two individuals lost their lives and 20 others sustained injuries when at least 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed in Jharkhand's Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The derailment occurred around 3:45 AM near Barabamboo, approximately 80 kilometers from Jamshedpur, under the Chakradharpur Division of South Eastern Railway (SER).

SER spokesperson Om Prakash Charan reported another goods train derailment in the vicinity, although it remains unclear whether the incidents happened concurrently.

West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary, present at the scene, confirmed, 'Two persons were killed and 20 injured as 18 coaches of Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed near Barabamboo. The Howrah-Mumbai train hit a stationary goods train.'

The accident site lies near the border of West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts.

Of the derailed coaches, 16 were passenger coaches, one was a power car, and one was a pantry car, the SER spokesperson added.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has directed officials to expedite relief efforts, ensuring medical aid for the injured at Barabamboo before transferring them to Chakradharpur for additional treatment.

Rs 10 lakh ex gratia has been announced for the kin of each deceased, Rs 5 lakh for those with major injuries, and Rs 1 lakh for those with minor injuries, according to Senior DCM Aditya Kumar Choudhary. The railway CPRO mentioned that rescue and relief operations are near completion, with 80% of passengers already sent to Chakradharpur. The remaining passengers are being transported by a special train.

Several express and passenger trains have been canceled, including the 22861 Howrah-Titlagarh-Kantabanji Express and the 18109 Tatanagar-Itwari Express. Additional trains are being short-terminated or diverted to ensure passenger safety.

The South Eastern Railway has established multiple helpline numbers for passengers seeking information, with numbers available for Mumbai, Bhusawal, Nagpur, Tata, Chakradharpur, Rourkela, Jharsuguda, Howrah, Shalimar, and Kharagpur.

(With inputs from agencies.)