Deadly Derailment in Bihar Raises Concerns Over Rail Fracture

Deadly Derailment in Bihar Raises Concerns Over Rail Fracture

VoM News Desk | October 13, 2023 | 08:29 AM IST | Accidents, Bihar, Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Deadly Derailment in Bihar Raises Concerns Over Rail Fracture

Deadly Derailment in Bihar Raises Concerns Over Rail Fracture

Tragedy struck in Bihar’s Buxar district on Wednesday night when the North East Express derailed, resulting in four fatalities and 30 injuries. The incident is suspected to be caused by a rail fracture, according to two officials familiar with the ongoing investigation.

The superfast train, with all 23 coaches en route from Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminus to Assam’s Kamakhya, derailed near Raghunathpur station in Bihar’s Buxar district. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has launched a comprehensive investigation into the accident.

Two senior railway officials have hinted at a track-related issue, particularly a rail fracture or gaps in the tracks. One official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated that the current evidence points towards a rail fracture as the cause. He noted that over 1,500 passengers were on board at the time of the accident.

Ministry of Railways Reacts

The Ministry of Railways spokesperson did not provide an official comment. However, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his condolences and pledged to identify the root cause of the derailment. Reports indicate that the loco pilot and gate man experienced unusual vibrations and sounds as the engine crossed a gate. The incident resulted in the derailment of all coaches, with some capsizing or tilting.

Another official close to the investigation hinted at potential issues with track maintenance. Preliminary observations suggest longitudinal breaks in the tracks near Raghunathpur station. It is worth noting that the train was operating at full speed when the accident occurred, approximately 90 km away from Buxar station.

Expert Opinion

Shri Prakash, a former member of the Railway Board, cast doubt on the theory of a small gap causing such a catastrophic accident. He explained that rail fractures are typically associated with temperature drops, and the Railways conducts daily visual inspections to identify fractures, especially during winter. A hairline crack alone is unlikely to result in a derailment of this magnitude.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for consistent and thorough track maintenance to ensure the safety of rail passengers. It follows another recent rail disaster in India, caused by errors in an automated signaling system, which resulted in a devastating collision and loss of lives.

VoM News Desk

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