Another passenger succumbed to injuries on Friday, July 19, increasing the death toll of the Gonda rail accident to four. The tragic incident initially claimed three lives and injured 27 others when the 15904 Dibrugarh Express, traveling from Chandigarh to Dibrugarh, derailed.
Incident Details
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Time and Location
The derailment occurred on July 18 at approximately 2 a.m. Ten coaches of the train went off the tracks between Jhilahi and Motiganj railway stations.
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Initial Casualties and Injuries
The initial aftermath of the accident saw three fatalities and 27 injuries. Subsequent reports confirmed another death, raising the fatality count to four. The injured passengers were promptly taken to various government hospitals in Gonda for treatment.
Preliminary Investigation Insights
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Train Speed and Casualties
Preliminary investigations suggest that the train was moving at a slow speed at the time of the derailment. This reduced speed likely helped in limiting the number of casualties.
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Possible Explosion
The loco pilot reported hearing an explosion just before the derailment. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation, with authorities looking into the explosion report as a potential factor.
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts
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Initial Rescue and Assistance
Local residents were among the first responders, providing immediate assistance to the victims. The Gonda district administration and railway authorities quickly mobilized resources to aid the rescue operations. Police, railway officials, and district administration personnel were dispatched to the site. Additionally, four teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to support relief operations.
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Medical Treatment for the Injured
The injured passengers have been admitted to various government hospitals in Gonda. Medical teams are working tirelessly to provide the necessary treatment to the injured.
Financial Aid Announced for Victims
The Railways has announced Ex-Gratia Payments for the victims' families. The compensation includes:
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Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased.
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Rs 2.5 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries.
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Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Measures to Assist Affected Passengers
To facilitate travel for the stranded passengers, buses have been arranged to transport them from the accident site to Mankapur. From there, a special train will take them to Dibrugarh. Additionally, another special train will be organized from Mankapur to Dibrugarh to ensure all affected passengers reach their destination safely.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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