31 die, over 50 hurt as train derails in UP - Daily Pioneer

31 die, over 50 hurt as train derails in UP

Saturday, 21 March 2015 | Hujjat Raza | Lucknow

At least 31 people were killed and over 50 injured when three coaches of Varanasi-bound Dehradun-Varanasi Janata Express (14622) derailed near Bachhrawan Railway Station in Rae Bareli, some 50 km from Lucknow, on Friday morning throwing the rail traffic in this busy route out of gear. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Lucknow division AK Lahoti said that 31 bodies were taken out so far. “Around 30 injured have been rushed to Lucknow, while remaining have been sent to State-run hospitals in Rae Bareli,” he said.

He said that the death toll could go up “as condition of some of the injured is serious.” The derailed coaches were just behind the engine. Maximum casualty is being reported from one of the general coaches just behind the engine. Rescuers used gas cutters to rip apart the wreckage to rescue trapped people. The accident took place around 9.15 am. Locals said that the train was to halt at Bachhrawan railway station but it overshot the halt and entered the loop line before it derailed. Though the cause of the derailment was not immediately known, suspected brake failure could have led to the rail mishap. Sources said the driver apparently applied the brake but the train did not stop pointing suspicion towards the failure of the braking system.

“It is too early to say whether it was human error or not. A probe has been ordered into the accident. The driver of the locomotive is being interrogated,” Ashwini Srivastava, spokesman of Northern Railway told The Pioneer in Lucknow. Eyewitness said that there was a loud bang followed by cries of people. Manish Chaudhry, one of the villagers, who was among first to reach the site, said: “The general coach just behind engine was badly mangled. We could see hapless people crushed between the walls of the compartment crying for help. For few minutes I could not react and then rush to help them.”

There were three coaches, which bore the brunt of the accident. Luckily the guard compartment was vacant otherwise casualty would have been very high. The accident spot presented a devastating sight. The luggage of the passengers, blood strained sleepers and utensils were strewn around. “There was blood everywhere. Leg of one of the unfortunate passengers could be seen hanging from one of the windows,” said Md Anjum, a resident of nearby village.

As soon as the news of the accident spread, people from nearby villages rushed to the spot to help in rescue and relief operations even before authorities arrived at the spot. There were some anxious moments in the area as angry locals raised slogans against the administration and railway authorities, saying the rescuers took a long time to reach the spot. “The accident took place around 9 am and police reached here after 10.30 am. Many precious lives were lost because administration failed to react in time,” he said.

Union Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh to the next kin of the deceased, Rs. 50,000 each to grievously injured passengers and Rs 20,000 to those who sustained minor injuries. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry by the Commissioner Railway Safety of Northern Circle, to ascertain the cause of the derailment.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Lucknow, Dr SNS Yadav said that medical teams were rushed to the site at soon as the incident came to light. A high alert was declared in the hospitals. “A member 24 medical teams comprising doctors and paramedics’ were sent to Railway accident site with 40 Ambulances. More than 150 beds were reserved so that injured could get immediate attention,” Dr Yadav said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the train accident in Uttar Pradesh and asked Suresh Prabhu to ensure speedy assistance at the spot. “PM has expressed grief on the loss of lives in the train accident in UP and has wished the injured a speedy recovery,” PMO said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav extended condolences to the family of deceased and announced an ex-gratia sum of Rs. 2 lakh each to the families and Rs. 50,000 each to those injured.

Train movement on the Lucknow-Varanasi section of the Northern Railway has been disrupted due to the accident. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who is represents Rae Bareli Lok Sabha seat, expressed shock and dismay over the tragic mishap. Gandhi expressed hope that the Government was taking adequate measures and the injured were being provided ample relief.

Northern Railway Helpline numbers:

Lucknow - 09794830973

Varanasi- 0542-2503814

Pratapgarh- 0534-2223830

Rae Bareli- 0535-05352211224

BACHHRAWAN- 09794845621,

Dehradun- 0135-2624002

Haridwar- 0134-226477, 226479

Moradabad 0591-1072

Bareilly- 0581-2558161, 2558162

Lucknow Medical Helpline

0522-2622080 and 07839700132