Tragic Train Accident in Gonda: Dibrugarh Express Derails, Casualties Reported
A devastating train accident occurred today in Gonda, where four coaches of the Chandigarh Dibrugarh Express derailed near Moti Ganj, close to the Pikoura village. The Train Accident in Gonda, derailed coaches were all AC compartments. Following the incident, rescue operations were immediately initiated. Medical teams have been dispatched to the site. The accident took place between Jhilahee and Moti Ganj railway stations. Responding swiftly, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed senior officials and medical teams to rush to the scene and oversee the relief and rescue efforts.
Approximately 20 people have been injured, and sadly, two lives have been lost in this Gonda train accident. Medical teams, including 40 personnel and around 15 ambulances, reached the site promptly. The rescue operations are being conducted with urgency and care. The incident occurred around 2:37 PM. Aditya Kumar, among other officials, is also en route to the site. In the meantime, helpline numbers have been issued for assistance between Lucknow, Gonda, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi.
Initial investigations suggest that the train derailment may have been caused by waterlogging on the tracks due to flooding, a common issue during the monsoon season. This points to a potential human error as routine inspections should prevent such mishaps. This is particularly concerning as waterlogging on railway tracks is a known issue during the monsoons, yet inspections should ensure safe passage.
Fortunately, the coaches involved were LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) types, known for their safety features. Unlike older ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, LHB coaches do not pile up on each other in accidents, reducing casualties and injuries.
The 40-member medical team has reached the site and is actively involved in the relief and rescue operations. In addition, 15 ambulances are also at the scene. The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and has directed senior officials to expedite the rescue operations and ensure proper treatment for the injured. All nearby hospitals and CSC PSC centers have been put on alert, and the injured are being treated at Sadar Hospital and nearby CSCs and PACs. Doctors have been instructed to arrive at the site promptly.
Following the train accident, two trains on the Lucknow-Gonda route have been canceled, and 11 trains have been rerouted. Among the diverted trains are 15707 Amrapali Express, 15653 Guwahati-Jammu Tawi Amarnath Express, 12555 Gorakhdham Superfast Express, 12553 Vaishali Superfast Express, 12565 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express, 12557 Sapt Kranti Superfast Express, 15273 Satyagraha Express, 19038 Avadh Express, 22537 Kushinagar Superfast Express, and 13019 Bagh Express.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed deep condolences for the tragic loss and assured that the ministry is taking all necessary measures to assist the victims and investigate the cause of the accident.
This heart-wrenching incident comes just a month after a similar tragedy where a 23-year-old woman died while filming an Facebook reel in Sambhajinagar Chhatrapati when her car plunged into a valley. Upon receiving information about that accident, the police had retrieved the car and taken the woman to a hospital where she was declared dead.
Today’s train accident highlights the importance of ensuring stringent safety measures, especially during the monsoon season. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in this time of grief.
