Tragic Train Derailment in Gonda Claims Lives, Injures Many

A devastating incident occurred on Thursday, July 18, 2024, when eight coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express train derailed in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh. As authorities assess the aftermath of this tragic event, the latest reports confirm that the death toll has risen to four, with over 30 individuals suffering injuries.

The derailment took place between the railway stations of Motiganj and Jhilahi, approximately 150 kilometers from Lucknow, situated on the Gonda-Gorakhpur railway line of the Northeast Railway. Local officials have stated that rescue operations are underway while a thorough investigation into the cause of the derailment is being conducted.

District Magistrate Neha Sharma provided details regarding the casualties, confirming that four passengers have lost their lives, and 31 others have been reported injured. Among the deceased were identified individuals—Rahul, 38, and Saroj Kumar Singh, 31—along with two passengers whose identities have yet to be confirmed. The body of one unidentified passenger was retrieved by the authorities the following morning.

Sharma indicated that the deceased have been transported to the district headquarters for post-mortem examinations, which will be conducted once their family members arrive. She emphasized the critical nature of the situation, as around six of the injured individuals are in severe condition and require immediate medical attention.

In response to this crisis, a special train carrying 600 passengers, which was part of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express, left for Assam later that night. The District Magistrate attended the departure at Mankapur Junction and communicated with various passengers to ascertain if there were reports of anyone missing among them. Fortunately, none of the passengers reported that any of their relationships were unaccounted for.

Efforts to restore the railway track are ongoing, with hopes of completing the repairs in a timely manner. Sharma visited the district hospital to check on the status of the injured, and she instructed the chief medical superintendent to ensure that all injured passengers receive adequate treatment.

In a press conference held at the hospital, Sharma expressed her concerns for the critically wounded passengers, noting that two individuals are currently receiving treatment at a trauma center in Lucknow, while several others remain hospitalized at both the district facility and a railway-associated medical center.

Officials from the railway department confirmed that a high-level inquiry has commenced to determine the factors leading to the derailment. A technical team arrived late last night to collect evidence from the scene, and restoration efforts are continuing with urgency.

This restoration includes removing the damaged coaches from the site, which has already seen over 800 railway workers mobilized since daybreak to expedite the repair operations. General Manager of Northeast Railway, Saumya Mathur, is present on-site to oversee the urgent measures being taken.

The damaged coaches have been separated using specialized equipment such as gas cutters, alongside heavy machinery like JCBs and cranes being utilized to lift and reroute the overturned trains. The railway officials stressed the importance of reinstating the rail track, which was significantly uprooted due to the accident.

The Gonda-Gorakhpur route is a fully electrified line, and the derailment has also resulted in the destruction of electric poles and wiring. Restoration teams are diligently working to re-establish these key infrastructures.

Mathur indicated ongoing efforts to restore train traffic on the line, emphasizing that they aim to reopen the downline swiftly. The upline was successfully restored for diesel locomotives the previous night.

The Ministry of Railways, in response to the tragic occurrence, announced that a high-level inquiry, alongside a probe initiated by the Commission of Railway Safety, has been ordered. They have also pledged an enhanced ex gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of those who perished, while those suffering serious injuries will be entitled to ₹2.5 lakh, and individuals with minor injuries will receive ₹50,000.

Meanwhile, Project Director Aditi Umrao from the Relief Commissioner’s Office remarked that relief operations are being executed with intense urgency, with both the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) deployed to assist with the rescue efforts. Adequate medical units and ambulances have been stationed to support the operation.

In light of this tragedy, healing support has been arranged for the family members of victims who are present at the site, and local officials have ensured the provisions of water and other essential supplies during this challenging time.

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, expressed his condolences following the disaster, reiterating the commitment of officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and promptly address the needs of affected families. He described the train derailment in Gonda district as an alarming event and called for the execution of relief measures at an accelerated pace.

The community and authorities remain united in their efforts to manage the aftermath of this unfortunate incident while honoring the lives lost and injured as they strive for healing and recovery in the days ahead.