Kolkata-Sairang Express derails near Digaru in Assam
The locomotive and five coaches went off the tracks on Wednesday morning, leaving several passengers injured.
The locomotive and five coaches of the Kolkata-Sairang Express derailed near Digaru Railway Station in Assam's Kamrup (Metro) district at around 6:54 am on Wednesday, according to The Assam Tribune.
The train was being received at the station to give precedence to another train when the accident occurred. Preliminary information suggests the locomotive could not control its speed, leading to the derailment.
Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northeast Frontier Railway (NF Railway), told ANI that six coaches had derailed and no casualties had been reported so far. He added that senior officials had rushed to the site.
A passenger travelling from Kolkata to Hojai alleged that fire appeared near the front of the train and claimed the driver had been told to continue running the train despite problems. The passenger also noted that children were among those injured during the incident.
A doctor at Sonapur District Hospital reported that three patients had arrived so far, with two having minor injuries and one potentially suffering a hand fracture and chest injuries. The doctor stated a clearer picture would emerge as more passengers arrive.
Railway authorities have launched rescue operations and are moving passengers to their destinations using an alternate train. The exact cause of the derailment and the total number of injured are still being confirmed.