Dibrugarh Express train mishap claims 2 lives, Opposition questions safety of passengers

Gonda (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 18 : After the Kanchenjunga train mishap this year, which claimed 10 lives, another train accident happened on Tuesday when the Dibrugarh Express derailed near Jhilahi Railway Station in Gonda, where two people were killed and at least twenty sustained injuries.
The incident happened between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway station under the jurisdiction of North Eastern Railway at about 2:37 pm.
As many as 4-5 coaches of the train from the front got derailed. After getting the information, the medical team, along with senior officials from the Lucknow division of NER immediately rushed to the site.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that the injured have been taken to hospital and will be given proper treatment.
The UP CM stated that rescue and relief operations are underway. He also directed the officials to reach the spot immediately and expedite the relief work.
"The train accident in Gonda district is extremely sad. District administration officials have been directed to carry out relief and rescue operations on a war footing and to take the injured to the hospital on top priority and provide them with proper treatment. I pray to Lord Shri Ram for the speedy recovery of the injured," UP CM Yogi Adityanath wrote in a post on X.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed shock and concern over the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express accident that occurred in Uttar Pradesh today.
Himanta said, "Shocked to learn about the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh train accident in UP today. I am monitoring the situation closely. No casualties from Assam reported as of now. Teams are on standby for support. We will do our best to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone."
The Ministry of Railways has announced ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injury and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries in the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment.
In addition to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inquiry, a high-level enquiry has been ordered into the rail derailment accident.
Opposition leaders launched scathing attacks on the Center over the tragic train mishap.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre over the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh, saying that it shows how rail safety has been compromised under the Modi government.
"Our single demand -- The Kavach anti-collision system should be installed expeditiously on all routes across India to ensure enhanced safety measures and prevent accidents," he said in a post on X.
"The derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in UP is yet another instance of how 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," he added.
The Congress President also recalled the Kanchenjunga tragedy and said that the Railway Minister should take responsibility for the accidents.
"A month ago, 11 people lost their lives when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-Agartala Kanchanjunga Express. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has said that the accident was "waiting to happen" ! Failure of automatic signal, lapses at multiple levels in managing operations, and non-availability of critical safety equipment such as walkie-talkie with the loco pilot and train manager are some of the reasons cited for collision in the probe report," he added in the post.
"PM @narendramodi and his Railway Minister, who leave no opportunity for self-publicity, must take direct responsibility of the massive lapses that have plagued the Indian Railways," Kharge further said.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday questioned the Central government over the safety and security of passengers after the Dibrugarh Express train derailed in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda.
She also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured.
"Sad to know of another tragic rail accident today, at Gonda, UP! Another derailment of the train, this time of the Chandigarh- Dibrugarh Express! What are the railway authorities doing!! What is the Government of India doing!! The safety and security of passengers are paramount!! When will the Government come to their senses?! My condolences to the bereaved families, prayers for the injured," she said on X.
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh demanded the resignation of Union Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
He stated that resignation will not serve the purpose, as resignation will not solve the problem of rail accidents. However, the Rail Minister should resign on moral grounds, taking on the responsibility of the mishap.
Medical Superintendent (MS), SMC Gonda, Dr M W Khan on Thursday said that nine injured people have been admitted to the hospital. Out of them, three have been critically injured and, consequently, referred to Lucknow for further treatment.
He further added that the remaining six people who were admitted have been declared stable after receiving treatment.
A passenger travelling on the train said that there was a mild explosion before the incident.
"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.
Manoj Pandit, who was travelling in the Dibrugarh-Chandigarh Express, said, "We were coming from Chandigarh and going to Bihar. We were travelling in the general coach. When our coach derailed, my child's hand got fractured. I and my wife also got injured."
Restoration work is underway at the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment site in Gonda.