INDIA, July 18: At least four people have lost their lives and 25 others sustained injuries following a tragic derailment of multiple coaches of the Dibrugarh Express near Jhilahi Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. Rescue operations are currently ongoing amid fears that several individuals might still be trapped underneath the wreckage.

The incident occurred when eight coaches from the AC segment of the train derailed a few kilometers ahead of Jhulahi railway station on Thursday afternoon. Train number 15904 was en route from Chandigarh in the west to Dibrugarh in the northeastern state of Assam. Distressing visuals shared online depict passengers standing alongside the tracks with their belongings.

Pankaj Singh, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of North Eastern Railway, stated, "A medical van from the Railways has reached the site, and rescue operations are underway. Helpline numbers have been issued. The incident occurred around 2:37 pm, and initial reports indicate that four to five coaches have derailed."

In response to the emergency, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Lucknow and Balrampur, alongside State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams from three districts, have been mobilized to Gonda. Five ambulances have been deployed for rescue operations, with additional vehicles ordered to reach the scene promptly. Injured passengers are receiving medical attention, both onsite and during transportation to hospitals.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken immediate notice of the tragic accident in Gonda district. He has directed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure the proper treatment of the injured. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been briefed on the incident, with ongoing monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities.

The Ministry of Railways has issued helpline numbers to assist those affected by the incident. This comes in the wake of recent railway incidents in India, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures and vigilance across the railway network.