MUMBAI:
“Two people were killed and 20 injured as 18 coaches of Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailed near Barabamboo. Rescue operations are on and an NDRF team is rushing to the spot,” West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary, who is camping at the accident site, told PTI.
Senior Railways official Om Prakash Charan said that a goods train had also derailed nearby, but it was not yet clear whether the two accidents occurred concurrently.
Of the 18 coaches that derailed, 16 were passenger coaches, one power car and one pantry car, he said.
The injured were given first aid by the Railways’ medical team, officials said, adding that they have now been taken to Chakradharpur for better treatment.
The exact reason for the derailment is being ascertained, they said.
Officials said several trains on the route have been cancelled or diverted after the mishap.
Buses have been arranged for the affected passengers and the Indian Railways has also issued helpline numbers.
Tatanagar: 06572290324
Chakradharpur: 06587 238072
Rourkela: 06612501072, 06612500244
Howrah: 9433357920, 03326382217
