A passenger aboard the Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express recounts a frightening sequence of events leading up to the derailment, mentioning a mild explosion and a subsequent strong jolt that caused their coach to derail. Two passengers lost their lives and eight others sustained injuries when multiple coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed in Gonda on Wednesday.
"I had to go to Hajipur. Fifteen minutes after leaving Gonda, the train tilted left and right side twice and then the third time, we all fell on the left side. There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh," the passenger said.
Official statements and responses
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak confirmed the casualties, while Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar reported on the injured. A significant medical team and ambulances have been deployed, with ongoing efforts to assist those affected.
Rescue and relief operations underway
Railway and local authorities are actively managing rescue operations at the accident site, which occurred around 2:35 pm, according to railway officials.
Helplines and support initiatives
Helpline numbers have been set up by the relief commissioner's office for Gonda and Lucknow, while the Indian Railways has initiated relief operations with medical assistance promptly reaching the site.
Also read | Dibrugarh Express train accident: Helpline numbers issued, check here
