3 killed in train mishap in Chitrakoot; Yogi govt enlists ATS’s help

Another train accident rocks Uttar Pradesh – this time, three passengers were killed and nine others injured when Patna-bound Vasco da Gama Express derailed at Manikpur station in Chitrakoot district early Friday morning.

Additional Director General of Police (ADG) Law and Order Anand Mishra said that the accident occurred at 04:14 AM at platform number two of Manikpur station.

The deceased have been identified as Deepak Patel and his father Ramswaroop, residents of Betia, Bihar. Another dead person was yet to be identified. Among the injured, seven have been admitted to CHC Manikpur, while two are at the district hospital.

Railway officials say that the train was moving slowly, passing Manikpur’s station platform two when it derailed. There was also a report that a glitch in one of the coaches led to the accident.

The Uttar Pradesh government has enlisted the help of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to probe the accident. Anand Kumar said on Friday that the ATS would look into the mishap. “We are not taking any chances and ,hence , the ATS has been asked to probe whether there was a sabotage angle to the accident.

The accident has raised a big question as to why there are so many accidents taking place in UP. In the last three months alone, there has been an alarming increase in the number of train accidents, which has raised a big question on the safety of trains passing the northern state.

Nov 23: Lucknow-Sultanpur train met with an accident at Matha unmanned crossing near Amethi, which resulted in four deaths.

Nov 23: Vasco da Gama-Patna Express derails in Manikpur, leaving three persons dead.

Aug 23: At least 74 passengers were injured, four of them seriously, when Delhi-bound Kaifiyat Express derailed after hitting a dumper . “The dumper rolled and came on to the track. The train drivers applied emergency breaks, but still the train collided with the dumper. The impact was high and resulted in derailment.

Aug 19: At least 10 passengers were killed and over 50 injured, when six coaches of Haridwar-bound Kalinga Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli station in north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday evening.

Train officials cite different reasons for accidents, including:

1. Rail fractures: Derailments are mainly caused by rail fractures. Rails develop a slight crack, which after the passing of 6-7 trains, results in sudden fracture.

2. Coaches: Old and worn out coaches also lead to accidents. The coaches, made by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), are infamous for collisions. The Linke Hoffman Busch (LHB) coaches, made of stainless steel, can absorb shock and are more efficient.

3. Human error: This is one of the basic reasons, involving all employees from station master to the driver. Even the track supervisor has been found to be at fault, leading to accidents.