Odisha: Three railway employees killed in train derailment, railway order enquiry

At around 4:30 PM, Howrah-Jagdalpur Samaleswari Express got derailed between Singapur Road and Keutguda railway stations after hitting a tower car – a self-propelled rail vehicle used for preventive as well as break down maintenance of overhead electrical equipment of electrified tracks.

The engine of the passenger train caught fire post impact. The train’s engine, front guard-cum-luggage van and one general second class coach were derailed, but passengers were unhurt as the rake was detached from the rest of the train.

Senior railway officers from Vishakapatnam first responded to the crisis, as ambulances and fire services were pressed into service. Subsequently, detached train was sent back to Rayagada after an engine was attached to the rear compartment.

Mishra added that the railway authorities are taking the matter “most seriously”.

The enquiry will be conducted under Commissioner of Railway Safety, Kolkata.