Doon Express derails near Jaunpur; 5 Killed & 50 injured

Howrah-Dehradun Doon Express derailed near Mahrawa railway station in Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh today. In this major train mishap 5 people were killed while several injured after seven bogies of this train collapsed by the Howrah Rajdhani Express.

The rescue operation has already started however the exact reason for this mishap cannot be ascertained yet. The Dehradun bound train coming from Howrah was about to reach Varanasi in the next 20 minutes when the mishap took place. Five sleeper and two general compartments were derailed in the accident that took place at around 1:20 pm. The train was supposed to reach Lucknow at 6 pm today.

Railway minister Mukul Roy will leave for Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh this evening. "It was an extremely sad incident and I am leaving for the spot. The next to kin of those killed will receive Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia while the family members of those seriously injured will get Rs 100,000 each. Those who suffered minor injuries will receive Rs 25,000. The railways will take care of the relatives of affected passengers who wish to travel to Jaunpur. They can travel by special coaches that will be attached to the Doon Express that will leave Howrah on Thursday," Roy said before leaving Kolkata.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that she has received information that the assistant loco pilot of the train spotted something on the track and emergency brakes were applied, leading to the accident. Ten coaches along with the engine safely passed through the ‘damaged' track. However, seven coaches at the rear got derailed.

At least five passengers were killed and more than 50 injured when Doon Express (Howrah-Dehradun) derailed at Mehrawan station in Jaunpur district under Varanasi division of the Northern Railway at around 1.15 pm Thursday.

The Indian railways have released two helpline numbers -- Faizabad 05278-220284 and Lucknow 0522-2234533.

The track has been closed for train movement. Officials said that it could be cleared only by Friday afternoon. As a result, several trains have been delayed. The routes of the trains are being changed to bypass the accident venue.