“Closely monitoring situation”: CM Hemanta on North East Express train derailment

The office of the Assam CM Hemanta Biswa Sarma released a statement saying that they are closely monitoring the aftereffects of the North East Express train derailment that occurred in Bihar’s Buxar late on Wednesday night.

The train was travelling from the Anand Vihar Terminus in Delhi and was on its way to the Kamakhya near Guwahati Assam. The incident killed at least 4 people and injured another 100 after 21 coaches of the North East Express train derailed near Raghunathpur station in Buxar district, an official said earlier.

Statement of Assam CM 

The Chief Minister’s Office wrote on ‘X’ “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.”

“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.

Himanta also expressed his grief over the loss of lives in thus incident and said that the passengers are now travelling in a relief train that has already departed from Raghunathpur for Kamakhya Junction.

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Praying for the quick recovery of those injured.

A relief train has already departed from Raghunathpur for Kamakhya Junction to bring back the stranded passengers of Train 12506. @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia https://t.co/LW88vzZa65

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) October 12, 2023

North East Express train derailment

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.

“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 into why the coaches derailed.

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.

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.