Vaishali, February 3: Seven passengers died and over two dozens were injured after nine coaches of Seemanchal Express derailed in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Sunday. The Delhi-bound 12487 Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal Express derailed near Shahadi Buzurg at 3:58 am. Indian Railways issued helpline numbers and authorities were carrying out rescue operations. It also announced compensation for families of deceased and injured persons.

“Seven people have lost their lives in Seemanchal Express derailment,” East Central Railway (ECR) General Manager LC Trivedi told news agency ANI. One general coach, one AC coach B3, three sleeper coaches -S8, S9, S10 and four more coaches derailed. Railway Accident Medical Van along with a team of doctors arrived at the accident site, said Smita Vats Sharma, Additional Director General PR (Rail).

The office of Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, in a tweet, said the minister was in touch with Railway Board members and GM ECR regarding Seemanchal Express derailment. “Relief and rescue operations are underway. He has expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives in this tragic accident and wished speedy recovery for the injured,” Goyal’s office said.

The 12487 Jogbani-Anand Vihar Terminal Seemanchal Express was running at full speed when the accident occurred, officials told PTI. The Railways issued helpline numbers - Sonpur 06158221645, Hajipur 06224272230 and Barauni 06279232222. Two teams of National Disaster Response Force or NDRF were also at the accident site. The Railways ordered an inquiry into the incident.

CRS Eastern Circle Latif Khan will conduct a probe in the accident. All passenger trains on this route have been cancelled following the Seemanchal Express derailment. Also, Uttar Pradesh trains for Chapra have been diverted via Muzaffarpur (MFP)-Chapra.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2019 09:28 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).