• Source:JND
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At least two people were killed and 34 others were injured after eight coaches Of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed near Uttar Pradesh's Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place at nearly 2:30 PM and it comes a month after at least nine people were killed and several others injured after a goods train rammed into a Kolkata-bound stationary train in West Bengal’s Darjeeling.

Railways Ministry also announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakhs to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakhs for those who suffered grievous injury and Rs. 50,000 to the minor injured. Besides the CRS enquiry, a high-level enquiry has also been ordered, according to an official report by Indian Railways.

Let's take a look at all the updates:

Congress Attacks PM Modi Over Accident

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the derailment of Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh is yet another instance of how the Modi government has "systematically jeopardised" rail safety. "Our deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved and our thoughts and prayers are with the injured. A month ago, 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah–Agartala Kanchanjunga Express," he said.

Kharge also mentioned that PM Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways.

The Congress president stated that his party's primary demand was that the Kavach anti-collision system be "installed expeditiously" on all routes across India to improve safety and prevent accidents.

25th Train Accident Ever Since Ashwini Vaishnaw Took Over Railways Charges

Notably, this is the 25th railway accident ever since Ashwini Vaishnaw took charge as Railways Minister in July 2021, including the Odisha train accident that killed 296 people. As many as 1,200 people were injured in the accident.

He faced massive backlash after the accident. The recent derailment is followed by the train accident in West Bengal’s Darjeeling that claimed nine lives and injured several.

Initial Toll Reported Four Deaths

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak told PTI that four people were killed, with district magistrate Neha Sharma too giving out the same number to the media. A railway official, however, said two passengers were killed.

However, after five hours, the authorities revised the figures with District Magistrate Neha Sharma saying there was one death and one person thought to be in bad shape was "revived". "Prima facie, when teams reached the spot people were laying scattered there in bad shape due to which confusion prevailed," she told PTI. 

UP Relief Commissioner GS Naveen said the operation was over and nobody was trapped in the coaches. Only the tracks remained to be cleared.

He said 30 passengers had "minor injuries" and were being treated at two community health centres. Three were at the district government hospital and two were referred to a Lucknow hospital.

Eyewitness Recalls Incident

Dileep Singh, who was travelling up to Chhapra in Bihar, had climbed on to an upper berth for an afternoon nap when the accident took place at about 2.35 pm. He was thrown on to the berth on the opposite side.

A 40-member medical team and 15 ambulances reached the spot, and more medical teams and ambulances were being sent, Relief Commissioner Kumar said during the initial stage of the relief operation.