New Delhi
At least three passengers have died and several others injured as the Bikaner - Guwahati express train (15633) derailed at Maingudi in Jalpaiguri area of West Bengal around 05:15 pm on Thursday.
According to the reports, 12 bogies of the train derailed and four coaches full of passengers have completely overturned.
The relief operations are underway at the site of the mishap. Reports suggested that gas cutters are being used for rescue operations.
As soon as the information was received, the top officials of the district, including the Railway Police Administration and NDRF have reached the spot and started relief work.
Meanwhile the commissioner of Railway Safety has ordered a high level inquiry into the accident.
The victims of the accident are being sent to the local hospital after being evacuated from the bogies of the train.
To provide treatment to the injured passengers, 30 ambulances have been dispatched to the spot and a relief train is being sent from Siliguri.
Medical colleges of North Bengal have been put on alert.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the train accident.
Guneet Kaur, Chief Public Relations Officer, NF Railways informed that Rs 5 Lakh ex-gratia in case of death and Rs 1 lakh in case of serious injury has been announced.
She also said that relief trains and medical trains are on their way to the accident site and are expected to reach shortly.
Helpline numbers have also been issued by North Western Railways for helping passengers.
Bikaner: 0151-2208222
Jaipur- 0141-2725942, 9001199959