Dibrugarh Express Derails: 2 Dead, 20 Injured in Gonda Tragedy

The Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda, causing two fatalities and injuring 20. A survivor recounted hearing a mild explosion before the crash. Rescue operations are underway, and ex gratia payments have been announced for the victims' families.

The Dibrugarh Express derailed near Gonda on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic deaths of two passengers and injuries to 20 others. A passenger on the train reported hearing a mild explosion just before the derailment. "I had to go to Hajipur. Fifteen minutes after leaving Gonda, the train tilted left and right side twice and then the third time, we all fell on the left side. There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh," the passenger recounted.

The Ministry of Railways has declared an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who died, Rs 2.5 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. "Apart from the CRS inquiry, a high-level inquiry has been ordered," the Ministry stated.

Neha Sharma, DM Gonda, confirmed the casualties and stated that the injured are being treated. She assured that passengers would be transported to their destinations by a rescue special train.

Aditi Umrao, Project Director Relief Commissioner, informed that rescue operations are nearly complete and helpline numbers are active. "Two coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh train have derailed. Two people have lost their lives and around 26 people are injured. DM, SP and other officials are present at the spot. Ambulances, three SDRF teams, and two NDRF teams have been deployed. Helpline numbers have been issued. Rahat Helpline 1070 is activated 24x7. The rescue operation is towards completion as all the coaches have been explored by the SDRF teams," said Umrao.

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that passengers would be taken to their respective destinations by a special train. "I have met all the officials. All the injured people have been sent to Mankapur CHC and Gonda. We are making arrangements to take the rest of the passengers to the main road, and the administration is also making arrangements. A bus has been arranged for them so that they can reach Mankapur railway station. A special relief train will come from Gorakhpur and through this train, the passengers will be taken to their respective places," Singh concluded.