Gonda Train Accident

On July 18, 2024, the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, caused at least four deaths and around 30 injuries. The incident occurred around 2:35 PM between Motiganj and Jhilahi stations, causing several coaches to overturn.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF) deployed to assist. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed immediate relief efforts and announced compensation for victims’ families.

Train services in the area have been significantly disrupted, with multiple trains canceled or diverted.
The Gonda train accident was primarily attributed to “failure of equipment (locomotive),” as stated by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Witnesses reported a loud noise before the derailment, with the loco pilot indicating that he saw overhead wires swinging wildly, prompting him to apply emergency brakes. A high-level inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident further, alongside the routine CRS probe. The railway administration is also working to restore the damaged tracks and infrastructure.

The specific equipment failure that led to the Gonda train derailment was identified as a “failure of equipment (locomotive),” according to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). Witnesses reported hearing a loud noise prior to the incident, and the loco pilot indicated he observed the overhead wires swinging erratically, prompting an emergency brake application just before the derailment occurred. A high-level inquiry has been initiated to further investigate the circumstances surrounding this failure.

The conditions of the tracks before the Gonda train accident have not been explicitly detailed in the reports. However, it was noted that the train was running at a speed of 70–80 km/h when it derailed, and the loco pilot observed swinging overhead electrical wires just before applying the emergency brakes, which indicates potential track or equipment issues. A high-level inquiry is underway to investigate the specific conditions of the tracks and any contributing factors to the derailment.

The victims of the Gonda train accident include at least four fatalities and around 30 injuries. Specific identities of the deceased have not been disclosed in the reports, but the victims were passengers on the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express, which derailed in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh. Rescue operations are ongoing, with medical teams deployed to assist the injured and provide necessary care.

There are no specific reports indicating track damage before the Gonda train accident. Witness accounts suggest that the loco pilot heard a loud sound and observed swinging overhead electrical wires just before applying the emergency brakes, leading to the derailment. A high-level inquiry has been initiated to investigate the incident further, which may include examining the track conditions prior to the accident, but no prior damage has been confirmed in the available reports.