Sabarmati express train derails in northern India: 25 coaches affected, no fatalities reported
by Bhagyashree BarmanIn northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, the Sabarmati Express train (19168) traveling from Varanasi to Ahmedabad derailed.
The incident took place near Kanpur city on August 17.
Visuals showed the detailed train from the tracks, a scary sight to witness for the passengers as well as the onlookers.
According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 2:35 am, about 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Kanpur Central Railway Station, between the Bhimsen and Govindpuri stations.
A total of 25 coaches went off the tracks, but fortunately, no deaths have been reported. However, some passengers sustained injuries, and rescue operations are ongoing to ensure everyone’s safety. The derailment has led to the cancellation of 16 trains and the rerouting of 10 others in the region.
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the derailment was caused by the train’s engine striking a heavy object placed on the tracks. The engine showed clear marks of the collision, and investigators have preserved evidence from the scene. The Indian Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Uttar Pradesh Police are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Kanpur Police Commissioner Akhil Kumar inspected the site and found a suspicious piece of track that may have been intentionally placed to cause the derailment. Railway officials confirmed that the track was in good condition just over an hour before the incident, as another train had safely passed through.
The track is expected to be cleared within 24 hours to restore normal train services in the area. The investigation into the derailment is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether foul play was involved.