Disturbing images of several passengers trapped in the debris after a railway disaster in North Bengal have emerged from the Guwahati-Bikaner express, which derailed in Maynaguri, Jalpaiguri district today at around 5 pm in the evening. According to railway sources, at least three individuals died and dozens of others were injured. The injured passengers were taken to the district hospital in Jalpaiguri.
In the aftermath of the accident, a High-Level Commissioner Railway Safety investigation has been ordered. The Chairperson of the Railway Board and the Director-General (Safety) of the Railway Board are flying from Delhi to the accident scene.
New Jalpaiguri and New Alipurduar rescue trains have been dispatched to the scene.
Compensation has been announced as ₹ 5 lakh for death, ₹ 1 lakh for grievous injury, and ₹ 25,000 for “simple injuries”.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her deep concern over the tragic accident and assured all possible measures would be taken for the early rescue of the passengers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolence to the bereaved families and prayed for the injured to recover soon. PM also spoke to Railway Minister Shri Ashwin Vaishnaw to follow and take stock of the situation in every possible way.
