In a devastating accident early Tuesday morning, at least two passengers lost their lives and six others were injured when 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Express derailed in Jharkhand after colliding with a goods train. The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. near Bara Bambu village, Chakradharpur.
The 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail, which was en route from Howrah to Mumbai via Nagpur, experienced the derailment involving 16 passenger coaches, one power car, and one pantry car. The collision led to immediate emergency responses, with ambulances and rescue teams rushing to the scene.
Om Prakash Charan, spokesperson for the South Eastern Railways (SER), confirmed that a separate goods train also derailed nearby, but it’s not yet clear if the two incidents are related. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.
In response to the tragedy, the Railways has announced compensation of Rs. 10 lakh for the families of each deceased passenger and Rs. 5 lakh for those with major injuries. The injured passengers were initially treated in Barabamboo and are now being transferred to Chakradharpur for further medical care.
The derailment has caused significant disruptions to train services. Three trains have been canceled—Howrah-Kantabanji Ispat Express, Kharagpur-Dhanbad Express, and Howrah-Barbil Express. Additionally, the South Bihar Express has been diverted, and the Asansol Tata Memu Pass Special Train has been short-terminated at Adra.
Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities work to manage the aftermath of this tragic event and restore normalcy to the affected rail routes.
