Assam
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he was closely monitoring the aftermath
of the derailment of North East Express train and was in contact with the
district authorities in Bihar’s Buxar district and other agencies involved in
the rescue work.
“Chief
Minister’s Office is closely monitoring the unfortunate derailment of Train
Number 12506 in Raghunathpur and is in touch with the district authorities in
Buxar and other agencies,” read a post on the official handle of the Chief
Minister’s Office (CMO) on ‘X’.
“I
have received the news of the derailment of North East Express 12506 – from
Anand Vihar to Kamakhya. We are closely monitoring the situation and are
establishing contact with local authorities and other agencies,” the Assam CM
posted on his official X handle.
At
least four passengers died and another 100 were injured after 21 coaches of the
North East Express train derailed near Raghunathpur station in Buxar district,
an official said earlier.
The
North East Express had rolled out of the Anand Vihar Terminal, Delhi to
Kamakhya in Assam.
According
to officials, as many as 21 coaches derailed at 9.35 pm on Wednesday near
Raghunathpur station of the Danapur division of the East Central Railway.
“Information
was received from the district administration that about 50 people were injured
(in the derailment),” Birendra Kumar, the chief public relations officer (CPRO)
of East Central Railway Zone, said earlier.
Locals
and the district administration joined in the rescue work, pulling out
passengers trapped under the derailed coaches.
Critically
injured passengers were referred to AIIMS Patna, Kumar said.
“Four
fatalities have been confirmed and rescue operations are underway. A total 21
coaches derailed,” Tarun Prakash, general manager of East Central Railways
(ECR) told ANI earlier.
He
informed further that there would be an inquiry why the coaches derailed.
Meanwhile,
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the evacuation and rescue
operations have ended.
“Evacuation
and rescue are complete. All coaches checked. Passengers will be shifted to a
special train soon for their onward journey,” Vaishnaw posted on X.
ANI
