Bikaner-Guwahati Express derailed: Railway Minister says there was a glitch in locomotive equipment

The accident took place near Domohani in West Bengal at around 5 pm on January. Around 10 coaches were affected in the accident and at least nine people have lost their lives

Jalpaiguri (West Bengal):  Several passengers - at least 9 - onboard the Bikaner-Guwahati Express, which derailed near Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Thursday, died and around 45 injured in the accident. On Friday morning, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the train accident site near Domohani, Jalpaiguri.

Vaishnaw on Friday said that the preliminary inquiry showed a glitch in the locomotive equipment as the reason behind the train accident at Domohani in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal. He also stated that the Commission of Rail Safety is conducting an inquiry to find the root cause of the incident. Speaking to ANI, Vaishnaw said, "Preliminary inquiry shows there was a glitch in locomotive equipment. The Commission of Rail Safety is conducting an inquiry to find the root cause behind the accident."

West Bengal: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reaches the train accident site near Domohani, Jalpaiguri

He says, "A statutory inquiry has been initiated. PM Modi is monitoring the situation & I'm in constant touch with him. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured." pic.twitter.com/eiamXGjxb2

— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2022

"Death toll in Bikaner-Guwahati Express mishap has risen to nine. The rescue operation has been completed. 36 injured were admitted to different hospitals. Passengers were sent to Guwahati by special train," Union Minister John Barla said.

Indian Railways has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the family members of people who lost their lives in the incident.The Prime Minister, earlier on Thursday, took stock of the situation. He also announced an enhanced amount of ex-gratia payment to the victims of the accident. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carried out the rescue operation as passengers were trapped after multiple bogies of the Guwahati-Bikaner Express (15633) derailed in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Thursday. The accident took place near Domohani in West Bengal at around 5 pm. Around 10 coaches were affected in the accident. 

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and CM Ashok Gehlot have expressed their grief over loss of lives in Bikaner-Guwahati Express derailment.

(With Agency inputs)