Six dead, three dozen hurt as 11 coaches of train derail in Bihar

At least six were killed and over three dozen passengers were injured when 11 coaches of the Delhi-bound Seemanchal Express derailed in Bihar's Vaishali district, early on Sunday morning.

The ill-fated train — Jogbani-Anand Vihar Seemanchal Express — originated from Jogbani in Kishanganj district and the incident took place at around 4 am near Sahadei Buzurg station on Barauni-Bachhwara-Hajipur single line, said Rajesh Kumar, chief PRO of East Central Railway, adding, "Prima facie, the cause of the accident appears to be rail fracture of CMS X-ing at the Barauni end of the station yard." Commissioner Railway Safety (Eastern Zone), Latif Khan, said they will conduct an inquiry into the accident. Meanwhile, nearly 1,500 passengers, who were stranded started their onward journey by a special train from Danapur station near Patna, a railway official said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed "deep anguish" over the loss of lives and said, "My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly." Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar also expressed his condolences.

Additionally, the Ministry of Railways announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those who lost their lives, while Rs 1 lakh will be given to the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to those who suffered simple injuries. All medical expenses will also be borne by the Railways, the ministry said.

Kumar said relief and rescue operations were being carried out in full swing with the help of the government agencies as well as locals. The accident and the restoration of the tracks led to the cancellation of around 17 trains.