Bhubaneswar: A major rail accident occurred near Nergundi PH in Cuttack when 11 air-conditioned coaches of the Bengaluru-Kamakhya express derailed.
According to Ashok Kumar Mishra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of East Coast Railway, Initial reports indicated no casualties.
“Senior staff including East Coast Railway GM, Khurdha Division DRM, other emergency officials reached the scene. A relief train from Khurdha has left for the spot. As per preliminary reports, no casualty has been reported,” Mishra said.
“Our first priority is to rescue the stranded passengers and make arrangements to send them to their respective destinations. The railway has issued helpline- 8991124238. We have informed the NDRF, fire stations and local police,” he added.
Helpline No issued by East Coast Railways
Bhubaneswar – 8114382371, 8455885999
Bhadrak -9437443469
Cuttack – 7205149591, 8991124238
Palasa – 9237105480
Jajpur Keonjhar Road – 9124639558
Bhadrak – 9437443469
According to reports, several passengers sustained injuries. They have been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
The cause of the derailment is still unknown, and an investigation is underway. Restoration work is expected to begin soon, and arrangements are being made to transport stranded passengers to their destinations. Other train services will also be restored as soon as possible, Mishra informed.