Dibrugarh Express Derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda: 2 Dead, Over 60 Injured

The Incident

In a tragic incident on Thursday, the Dibrugarh Express derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda district, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and injuries to over 60 others. The train, which was traveling from Chandigarh, met with the accident between the Jhilahi railway station and Gosai Dihwa. This unfortunate event has shaken the local community and prompted a swift response from authorities to manage the crisis and provide assistance to the victims.

Immediate Response and Rescue Operations

The derailment occurred at approximately 2:37 pm, causing several bogies to topple off the tracks. Among the injured, two individuals sustained serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

The gravity of the situation demanded immediate action, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath quickly directed district authorities to ensure that all injured passengers received proper medical care.

जनपद गोण्डा में हुई ट्रेन दुर्घटना अत्यंत दुःखद है।

जिला प्रशासन के अधिकारियों को युद्ध स्तर पर राहत एवं बचाव कार्य संचालित करने और घायलों को शीर्ष प्राथमिकता के साथ अस्पताल पहुंचाकर उनके समुचित उपचार के लिए निर्देश दिए हैं।

प्रभु श्री राम से घायलों के शीघ्र स्वास्थ्य लाभ हेतु…

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) July 18, 2024

In a post on social media platform X, the Chief Minister’s office stated, “Taking cognizance of the train accident in Gonda district, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the district administration officials to reach the spot and expedite the relief work. The Chief Minister has instructed the officials to immediately take the injured to the hospital and provide them with proper treatment. He also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

Support and Communication

Railway officials responded promptly to the accident, deploying a medical van to the scene to assist with the rescue operations.

North Eastern Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Pankaj Singh, informed the media that helpline numbers had been issued to provide assistance and information to those affected by the derailment.

The numbers released for immediate support included Commercial Control Tinsukia: 9957555984, Furkating (FKG): 9957555966, Mariani (MXN): 6001882410, Simalguri (SLGR): 8789543798, Tinsukia (NTSK): 9957555959, Dibrugarh (DBRG): 9957555960, and for Guwahati station: 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, and 0361-2731623.

This initiative aimed to facilitate communication and ensure that affected families could obtain timely updates and support.

Government and Railway Actions

The Ministry of Railways also issued an official statement and assured the public that rescue and relief operations were underway. The ministry expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged full support to the injured passengers. Efforts to restore normalcy and clear the railway tracks were being undertaken on a war footing, highlighting the commitment to minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of railway operations.

Assam Government’s Response

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also took to social media to express his concern and extend support. His office released a statement saying, “HCM Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has been briefed about the derailment of Dibrugarh – Chandigarh express in Uttar Pradesh.

HCM is monitoring the situation and the Government of Assam is in touch with relevant authorities.” The Chief Minister’s active involvement underscores the significance of the incident and the collaborative efforts of state governments to address the aftermath of the derailment.

The accident has sparked a conversation about railway safety and the measures needed to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Indian Railways, one of the largest railway networks in the world, plays a crucial role in the daily commute of millions of people.

Ensuring the safety and reliability of this vast network is paramount. Incidents like the Gonda derailment serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by the railway system. They also highlight the importance of continuous monitoring, maintenance, and the implementation of advanced safety protocols to protect passengers and railway personnel.

Investigation and Future Measures

In the wake of the accident, it is imperative that a thorough investigation is conducted to determine the cause of the derailment. Identifying any lapses or technical issues that led to the mishap will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future. The findings of such an investigation should guide policy changes and safety enhancements across the railway network.

Must Read: Belapur Train Accident: A Tragic Incident at CBD Belapur Railway Station

Conclusion

The Dibrugarh Express derailment is a somber incident that has affected many lives. The prompt response from authorities and the collaborative efforts of various state governments and railway officials reflect the resilience and commitment to managing such crises. As the injured recover and the investigation proceeds, it is hoped that lessons learned from this tragedy will lead to improved safety measures and a more secure railway system for all passengers.