Eleven coaches of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya Superfast Express derailed near Nergundi station near Cuttack in Odisha leaving one dead and seven injured.
“We have received one body has been received apart from some injured passengers. Three teams of doctors have been engaged to treat the injured passengers,” Administrative officer of SCB Medical College and Hospital Subash Chandra Ray said. The identity of the deceased is not yet known, as per PTI.
According to Indian Express, sources at the East Coast Railway (ECoR) said the derailment occurred at about 11.54 on Sunday. The divisional railway manager (DRM) Khurda Road, general manager of ECoR and other higher-level officials have rushed to the spot. An accident relief and medical relief train has also been rushed to the spot.
Odisha Fire Service Director-General Sudhansu Sarangi said seven injured people have been rescued and taken to a nearby hospital.
Routes of several trains have been diverted due to the derailment, said ECoR officials.
ECoR officials also said they are making alternate arrangements to ensure that the passengers reach their respective destinations following which they will start restoration works.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Sunday said his office is in touch with the Odisha government following the train accident in the coastal state.
“I am aware of the incident involving 12551 Kamakhya Express in Odisha. @CMOfficeAssam is in touch with the Odisha Government and Railways. We will reach out to each and every person who is affected,” Sarma said in a post on X.
Odisha To Cover Healthcare Expenses
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi wrote on X that the state government will ensure “the best medical care” for the injured passengers in the derailment and cover their healthcare expenses.
“Reviewed the condition of the injured passengers from the Kamakhya Express derailment near Nergundi station in cuttack. The odisha Govt will ensure they receive the best medical care and cover all healthcare expenses. Wishing them a speedy recovery. Rescue & relief operations remain a priority,” Majhi wrote on X.
Additionally, ECoR shared visuals of restoration work at the derailment site on X and said that the normalcy will be restored soon.
“Restoration going on in a full fledged manner at the derailment site and soon normalcy will be restored,” the division wrote on X.
Only down lines have been affected due to the derailment.
Trains from Bhubaneswar towards Bhadrak have been diverted via Barang-Nergundi-Kapilas Road instead of the usual Cuttack-Kendrapara Road-Nergundi route.
So far, five trains have been diverted, including Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express and Purulia Express.
ECoR has also provided helpline numbers for passenger assistance:
• Bhubaneswar: 7205149591, 8455885999
• Cuttack: 8991124238
• Khurda Road: 06742492245
• Bhubaneswar: 8114382371
• Bhadrak: 9437443469
• Palasa: 9237105480
• Jajpur Keonjhar Road: 9124639558
