Bihar train mishap: ‘Woke up to find myself in the fields’

Damaged carriages near Raghunathpur railway station some 44 Km from Buxar. Pic/PTI

Coaches can be seen strewn on both sides of the track, a few of these several feet away, in Raghunathpur, a non-descript town in Buxar district of Bihar where the North East Express derailed late Wednesday night. Four AC coaches, all of which have jumped the rails but remained coupled, form a scary serpentine pattern with shattered window panes serving as a telltale sign.

The guard of the Assam-bound train, Vijay Kumar, recalls having fallen unconscious by the impact of the derailment. "I was busy with my paperwork when I realised that the driver suddenly applied brakes. This was followed by a few jerks and I fainted. Later, I found myself in the adjoining fields, where villagers were sprinkling drops of water on my face," said Kumar, who has sustained minor injuries. With the rescue of passengers complete, the focus is now on restoration.

The entire area has been cordoned off as villagers watch gigantic cranes and machinery used for cutting through metal at work. They feel that given the scale of devastation, it may be several days before the tracks are again fit for traffic. Railways, though, insist that it will not take that long.

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Fault in tracks likely cause: report

A fault in the tracks was the possible cause of derailment, sources said on Thursday citing a preliminary investigation report. The report, signed by six railway officials including the driver of the ill-fated train, stated, "It seems that derailment occurred due to fault in tracks." It estimated the cost of damage due to the accident at more than Rs 52 crore. The loco pilot was partially injured and his assistant suffered serious injuries in the accident Wednesday night. The investigation report also contained a statement by the loco pilot.

Rs 52cr
Estimated cost of damage

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