Tragedy befell on unfortunate Indore-Patna Express when it met with coach derailments near Pukhrayan in UP in the wee hours of November 20. The tragic accident claimed nearly 143 lives plus 200 injured, nearly half of them grievously. It may be called the worst train accident in recent years. The cause of this major accident is prima facie the undetected track fracture. It was about 0300 hours in the morning when the tragedy happened and four bogies went off the track trapping hundreds of passengers. Men, women and children were trapped and many of them lost their lives. The urgent work of rescue and saving as many lives as possible was started forthwith when the news broke out. The local police was first to arrive at the site of tragedy. The UP Government came into motion without loss of time.
It is yet premature to pinpoint the cause of the accident though many surmises are made. The Railways have instituted a high powered enquiry and the findings are awaited. As such, it is premature to give the cause and fix responsibility. This is a big tragedy and a major rail disaster. Entire nation has plunged into grief. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Railway Minister, the Home Minister and many other high ranking dignitaries have sent condolence messages on the tragic accident and the heavy toll of life it has taken. In the midst of this agonizing and heart-rending accident, we are relieved to know that beside massive rescue operations, financial support to the next of kin has been announced by the Government. We are also relieved to know that disaster management teams, local police, medical teams and others all have rendered immensely valuable help in saving as many lives as could be possible. Special equipment and machinery has been pressed into service to cut the doors and windows of trapped bogies and bring alive the trapped passengers. The army has also arrived at the spot to render whatever assistance it can to get the trapped passengers released and saved. Among the injured who have been admitted to hospitals, the condition of many of them is considered serious and the doctors are doing their best to render efficient medical assistance to them.
We convey condolence to the believed families. Entire nation shares their grief. Such massive tragedies leave behind scars deep which cannot be filled. However, we would also like to say a word to the Railways. In view of the fact that many miscreants and subversives are on the prowl in the country, it is important that security of the rail track is increased all over the country. That may not be a permanent feature but as long as subversive activities continue it is important that vigilance and security are beefed up.
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