Goods train derails in Odisha’s Jharsuguda, no casualties reported

Rail services were partially disrupted after at least three wagons of a goods train derailed near the Belpahar railway crossing in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district on Sunday evening. The incident reportedly occurred suddenly at around 5:30 pm, triggering concern among local residents and commuters in the area.

Although no casualties or injuries were reported, the derailment caused significant disruption to both rail and road communication. Following the accident, the Belpahar temporary railway crossing was immediately shut down, resulting in a complete halt to vehicular movement on the connecting road. Commuters were forced to take alternate routes, leading to inconvenience for residents and transport operators.

The exact circumstances leading to the derailment are yet to be ascertained. The derailed wagons continue to remain on the tracks, and officials of the Railway Department have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the incident. Preliminary assessments are underway, and railway personnel have been deployed at the site to oversee restoration work.

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Meanwhile, local residents have alleged that negligence on the part of railway employees may have contributed to the derailment. They have demanded a thorough investigation and accountability from the authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Efforts are currently in progress to clear the derailed wagons and restore normal rail and road movement at the earliest. According to sources, the road is likely to be reopened by Monday, once clearance operations are completed. However, no official statement has been issued by railway authorities so far regarding the cause of the derailment or the timeline for full restoration of services.