KKN Gurugram Desk |  A tragic train accident has occurred on the Howrah-Mumbai route, leaving several passengers injured. The mishap took place between the Barabambo and Rajkharsawan railway stations in the Chakradharpur division early Tuesday morning. Rescue and relief operations are currently in full swing as authorities rush to manage the crisis.

Details of the Accident

The incident occurred around 4:15 AM near Poto Beda village, when train number 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed. According to reports, all but four general coaches of the train went off the tracks, causing significant chaos. The train was on its way from Howrah to Mumbai when the derailment happened, leading to injuries among several passengers, though exact figures are yet to be confirmed.

Immediate Response from Authorities

As soon as the accident was reported, the Chakradharpur Railway Division Headquarters sounded an emergency alert by ringing the railway hooter five times. This triggered an immediate response, and the Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) train was dispatched to the accident site at 4:15 AM.

Preliminary reports suggest that 18 coaches of the train derailed, causing widespread panic and injuries. The injured passengers were quickly rushed to the Chakradharpur Railway Hospital and the Kharsawan Community Health Center for medical assistance. Local and divisional administrative teams, including senior railway officials, reached the spot to oversee relief and rescue operations.

Rescue Operations in Progress

Rescue teams are working tirelessly to evacuate passengers from the derailed coaches. Many travelers were asleep at the time of the accident, leading to confusion and chaos in the aftermath. Some passengers managed to escape from the bogies on their own, while others were trapped and required assistance from rescue teams. The exact cause of the derailment is still under investigation.

To handle the situation effectively, the district administration, led by Seraikela-Kharsawan Deputy Commissioner Ravi Shankar Shukla, has also reached the site. The Howrah-Mumbai route remains completely disrupted, and emergency services have been deployed to restore normalcy.

Preparedness in Nearby Hospitals

In anticipation of a larger number of casualties, the Tata Main Hospital in Jamshedpur has been placed on high alert. Ten emergency beds have been prepared outside the hospital’s emergency ward to accommodate patients requiring urgent care. Medical teams at the hospital are fully prepared to handle critical cases.

Impact on Train Operations

The accident has brought train operations on the Howrah-Mumbai route to a complete standstill. The railways have halted all trains on this route until the derailed coaches are cleared and the tracks are repaired. Passengers traveling on this route are advised to check for updates before planning their journey. The railway department is working to restore services as soon as possible.

Uncertainty Over the Cause

As of now, the exact reason for the derailment remains unknown. Investigators are on-site to assess potential causes, including track damage, technical faults, or human error. The railways have assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted to identify the root cause and take corrective measures.

Eyewitness Accounts

Passengers who were onboard during the accident recounted the moments of panic and confusion. Many described being jolted awake by a loud noise as the train derailed. While some managed to escape the overturned coaches, others were trapped inside and had to wait for rescue teams to arrive.

One passenger said, “We were all asleep when the accident happened. Suddenly, we heard a loud noise, and everything went dark. Some of us managed to get out, but many were trapped. It was terrifying.”

Railways’ Relief Measures

The railways have mobilized all resources to manage the aftermath of the accident. Relief trains and medical teams were dispatched immediately, and senior officials are closely monitoring the situation. Efforts are underway to provide assistance to injured passengers and their families.

The railway department has assured full support to the affected passengers, including medical aid and compensation where applicable. Passengers and their families are encouraged to contact the railway helpline for assistance.

Steps Moving Forward

In light of the derailment, the following measures are being prioritized:

1. Completion of rescue and evacuation efforts.
2. Medical assistance for all injured passengers.
3. Clearing the tracks and restoring train operations on the Howrah-Mumbai route.
4. Conducting a thorough investigation to identify the cause of the accident.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in railway operations. While the immediate focus remains on relief and rescue efforts, authorities must also take steps to prevent such accidents in the future.

Travelers Advised to Stay Updated

Passengers traveling on the Howrah-Mumbai route are advised to stay updated on train schedules and plan accordingly. Further updates on the restoration of train services and investigation findings will be shared by the railways.