PATNA:Apassenger train on Friday derailed after scraping against the New Delhi-Guwahati North East Express at Barh, about 40 km from here, disrupting rail traffic in the area.
All the passengers are safe, railway officials said. Describing the incident as a “side collision”, East Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Arvind Rajak said, “North East Express was supposed to pass through Barh station but stopped following pulling of its chain after crossing the home signal at around 6.55 AM.”
“At around the same time UP Kiul-Patna passenger train, which was detained at a common loop line at Barh station began to move and passed the starter signal in danger, resulting in side collision with North East Express,” he said.
“The front unit or motor coach of the passenger train, which was a DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) train, was derailed by one wheel and stopped. All passengers are safe,” Rajak said. Some passengers jumped out from both the trains in panic but none was injured.
Rajak said the movement of trains on up and down lines is yet to resume. The up main line is clear, while engineering help and Accident Relief Train (ART) have been called to clear the down line blocked by North East Express. Officials have been working for restoration of the services and the express train will resume onward journey once the obstruction was removed, officials said.
The ECR has released helpline number 0612-2213234 and toll free number 0612-1072, and Mugalsarai 05412-25415 to help people inquire about the wellbeing of their kin and friends. (PTI)