Even as the Railways has launched an investigation into the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Uttar Pradesh, reports quoting passengers and the driver of the train claimed that there was a mild explosion before the accident.
At least two persons were killed and 20 others injured as several coaches of the train derailed near Jhilahi railway station in Gonda district on Thursday.
“Fifteen minutes after leaving Gonda, the train tilted left and right side twice and then the third time, we all fell on the left side. There was a mild explosion (before the incident) and after that a strong jolt was felt, and our coach derailed. We were coming from Chandigarh," a passenger was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
The loco pilot of the train, reported NDTV, also heard a loud explosion before the coaches derailed.
The Railway Ministry has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The ministry has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those who are grievously injured and Rs. 50,000 to the minor injured in the accident.
The rescue operation is still on at the accident spot while the Railways has arranged a special train to carry the passengers to their respective destinations.
“We are making arrangements to take the rest of the passengers to the main road and the administration is also making arrangements. A bus has been arranged for them so that they can reach Mankapur railway station. A special relief train will come from Gorakhpur and through this train, the passengers will be taken to their respective places," said Union minister Kirti Vardhan Singh.
As per officials, at least eight coaches including four AC coaches of the train derailed in the Gonda-Mankapur section around 2.30 pm.
