Capital Express mishap: 2 killed, 3 suspended as Prabhu orders inquiry

Two persons were killed while at least 30 others were injured when Guwahati bound Capital Express, derailed near Samuktala station in Alipurduar on Tuesday night.

According to the preliminary investigation, it is suspected that the accident was caused due to the overshooting of signal by the driver of the train. The exact reason is yet to be ascertained. The rescue team had rushed to the spot as the news of the accident reached the Alipurduar Railway Division Headquarters which is around 32 km away from the place of the accident. As there were negligence behind the accident the two drivers and guard have been suspended.

Initial reports had said that 10 persons were injured.

Two bodies were found from the coaches and they appeared to be those of monks going by their clothes and footwear, NF Railway CPRO Pranav Jyoti Sharma said.

Though prima facie cause of the accident was overshooting of signal by the driver of the train, a thorough inquiry will be conducted and action will be taken against the guilty, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The Railway Minister, Suresh Prabhu has ordered a through enquiry into the accident. Senior officials from the North Front Railway Headquarters, including the Additional General Manager, Ratan Lal, rushed to the spot immediately after the accident. The Divisional Railway Manager of Alipurduar Division, Sanjeev Kishor, reached the spot after the accident and supervised the rescue and relief operation.

The engine and two coaches — one sleeper class and one general second class coach of Up Capital Express running between Guwahati and Danapur in Bihar were derailed triggering tension among the other passengers travelling in the train. Train services were affected in the North-eastern parts while some trains were cancelled.

The injured were rushed to Alipurduar district hospital for treatment. Around 140 of the stranded passengers were taken back to Alipurduar Junction by Kamakhya - Alipurduar Junction Inter City Express. The unaffected portion of the train was detached and pushed back from the site. Rescue operation has been carried out on a war footing. By Wednesday morning the derailed coaches were removed from the place.

Alipurduar Divisional Railway Manager Kishore said that the train will resume journey after the completion of the relief operation. The injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment and relief and rescue work has been completed. The Helpline Numbers which have been opened are: 9002052957, 8585082833 and 03564-259935.