Howrah-Mumbai Mail train accident: JAP-IRB personnel lead rescue operations

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, July 30: A major train accident occurred at Barabambo in the Chakradharpur railway division, involving the 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail Express traveling from Howrah to Mumbai. Following the accident, JAP and IRB personnel were deployed for relief work on instructions from the Jharkhand Police Headquarters.

The initial rescue team, led by the Kolhan DIG, Chaibasa DC, and SP, promptly arrived at the scene. The Seraikela DC and SP had been engaged in the relief operations since morning, camping at the incident site. All affected passengers were transported to Chakradharpur railway station in buses, reserve ambulances, and a special train. Senior officials from the Jharkhand Police Headquarters and District Police were putting in coordinated efforts in the rescue operation.

According to the police headquarters, 18 people were injured in the accident, with two passengers sustaining serious injuries. Two fatalities were reported. The other passengers were being transported to Chakradharpur by bus to continue on their onward journeys. Eighteen coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail (train number 12810) and one wagon of a goods train were affected in the accident.

All hospitals in Seraikela, Chakradharpur, and Jamshedpur have been alerted. The injured were immediately shifted to Chakradharpur hospital in police vehicles and ambulances to ensure prompt treatment. Buses from Chaibasa and Seraikela were pressed into service to transport passengers of the train.

All hospitals and health centres, Sadar Hospitals in Saraikela and Chakradharpur along with MGM Hospital and TMH have been put on alert mode. Senior officials of the district and police administrations and railway officials were present at the site. In addition to Jharkhand Police, senior CRPF officers were also engaged in relief operations. Relief operations were being coordinated with the GRP and border state of West Bengal. The NDRF has also reached the site and commenced relief work.