Eleven Coaches Affected; Rescue Ops Underway as Railways Launch Probe
In a tragic incident, the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express (12551) derailed near Nergundi Railway Station in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Sunday (March 30), leaving one passenger dead and eight others injured. The accident occurred around 11:54 AM near Manguli, disrupting rail traffic on the busy route to Assam.
According to East Coast Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Ashok Kumar Mishra, eleven AC coaches of the train veered off the tracks. Rescue teams and senior railway officials rushed to the spot, launching relief and restoration efforts on a war footing.
District Magistrate Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde confirmed the casualties, stating that the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for advanced treatment. A relief train was arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destinations.
Contradictory Initial Reports
Initially, the East Coast Railway stated that no injuries were reported, but later updates confirmed the fatality and injuries. The train was carrying a significant number of passengers from Assam and other northeastern states heading to Guwahati.
Trains Diverted, Helpline Activated
Due to the derailment, three trains—Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express, and Purulia Express—were diverted. The East Coast Railway has set up an emergency helpline for concerned families seeking updates on passengers.
Mishra added, “Our priority is restoration and passenger safety. The cause of the derailment will be investigated.”
Why This Matters
The Kamakhya Express is a crucial link between South India and the Northeast, making this disruption significant for travelers. Authorities are working to resume services and determine whether track defects, speed, or other factors caused the accident.
