At Least 11 Killed in India Train Crash as Rescuers Recover Bodies
A tragic train derailment in eastern India has left at least 11 dead and dozens injured, reigniting concerns over railway safety. The incident occurred in Bihar early this morning, with rescue teams scrambling to pull survivors from the wreckage.
What Happened? Train Derailment in Bihar
Around 5:00 AM near Buxar, several coaches of the Delhi-Kamakhya North East Express derailed near the Uttar Pradesh border. Preliminary reports suggest a possible track fracture or signaling failure, though an official investigation is pending.
Eyewitnesses described chaos as passengers were thrown from their seats. “We heard a loud crash and saw dust. People were screaming for help,” said Ramesh Kumar, a local shopkeeper who aided survivors before emergency teams arrived.
Rescue Efforts and Rising Casualties
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities worked for hours to free trapped passengers. By midday, 11 fatalities were confirmed, with over 30 injured hospitalized—some in critical condition.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced compensation:
– ₹10 lakh ($12,000) for families of the deceased
– ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured
– ₹50,000 for minor injuries
Political Backlash and Public Anger
Opposition leaders slammed the government for delayed safety upgrades after past accidents like the 2023 Balasore crash (300+ deaths). Congress’s Rahul Gandhi demanded accountability, while Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pledged state aid.
Social media erupted with hashtags like #RailwaySafetyNow, reflecting public frustration over recurring derailments.
Why Do India’s Train Accidents Keep Happening?
India’s vast rail network transports 25+ million daily but suffers from aging tracks and slow modernization. Derailments cause ~70% of rail accidents, per safety audits.
Though systems like “Kavach” (anti-collision tech) exist, experts say implementation lags. “Without systemic fixes, tragedies will repeat,” warned analyst Anil Kumar Saxena.
Next Steps: Investigation and Accountability
The Commissioner of Railway Safety will lead a probe, with results expected in a month. Meanwhile, grieving families and a shaken nation await answers—and action.
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