Howrah-Puri Dhauli Express derails

Balasore: Passengers of Howrah-Puri Dhauli Express had a narrow escape today after a bogie of the train derailed between Bhogpur and Panskura Station Road under Kharagpur Division of the South East Railway in West Bengal's East Midnapore district.

As per initial reports, as many as 85 passengers were travelling in the bogie, however no casualties were reported.

The exact reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained. The railway authorities reached the spot to begin rescue and restoration works.

The incident occurred at around 9 am today when Dhauli Express was on way to Puri from Howrah.

South East Railway has issued helpline numbers for Kharagpur-03222255879, 03222255751, Howrah-03326377197 and Balasore-06782265767.

"An AC chair car coach of the 12821 Howrah-Puri Dhauli Express derailed between Bhogpur and Panskura stations at around 7.10 a.m. We are investigating the cause. No one has been injured in the incident," Sanjoy Ghosh, Chief Public Relation Officer of South Eastern Railway was quoted as saying to IANS.

The official said a four-member inquiry committee has been formed to probe the incident.

"The train service in both the lines have resumed to normalcy after brief delay. Both the railway tracks in the accident area are now free for movement. We are amalgamating the compartments of the affected train, keeping the derailed coach apart," he said.

The authorities have also arranged a special train transporting the passengers who were travelling in the derailed compartment.

Railway sources said the Howrah-Puri Dhauli Express has left derailment site with 15 coaches. Passengers coming to Bhubaneswar & Cuttack were allowed to board Falaknuma Express & Neelachal Express as 5 coaches of Dhauli were detached at the site.

With agency inputs..