Three Coaches of Secunderabad-Shalimar Express Derail Near Howrah; No Casualties Reported
In an unexpected incident early Saturday morning, three coaches of the Secunderabad-Shalimar Superfast Express derailed near Howrah, West Bengal. The derailment occurred around 5:30 a.m. at Nalpur station, approximately 40 kilometers from Kolkata, according to South Eastern Railway officials. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries have been reported among the passengers, who were traveling on this weekly express train between Secunderabad and Shalimar.
The train, designated 22850 Secunderabad–Shalimar Weekly Express, was moving through Nalpur station in the Kharagpur Division when the coaches derailed. Railway officials confirmed that a parcel van was one of the derailed compartments, though details about the contents of the van were not disclosed. The cause of the derailment is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation has been ordered to ascertain the circumstances leading to the incident.
Emergency response was swift, with the South Eastern Railway dispatching both accident relief and medical relief trains from Santragachi and Kharagpur immediately after the derailment was reported. These relief trains were equipped to handle any emergencies and provide immediate assistance to stranded passengers. Additionally, buses were arranged to transport the passengers to Kolkata, ensuring minimal disruption and a safe continuation of their journey.
The derailment led to temporary disruptions in train services within the Kharagpur Division, impacting several other trains on the route. However, railway officials are working diligently to restore normalcy on the affected tracks. Authorities stated that the clearance of the derailed coaches and any necessary repairs would be prioritized to minimize delays in the area.
The South Eastern Railway emphasized that safety measures were promptly activated, and all necessary precautions were taken to ensure passenger security during the relief operations. No one sustained injuries, thanks to the effective response and the rapid deployment of the relief trains and buses.
The railways have assured that updates on the progress of track restoration and any further information about the investigation will be communicated to the public.
