NEW DELHI: In a sad incident early this morning, the 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Express mail train via Nagpur derailed in Jharkhand, resulting in the deaths of two people and injuries to 20 others. The accident occurred near the Charadharpur division, between Rajkharswan West Outer and Barabamboo, around 3:45 am and the derailment involved 18 coaches, including 16 passenger coaches, one power car, and one pantry car. 

According to initial reports, the derailment was caused by a collision with a derailed freight train wagon. The freight train, carrying clinkers, had derailed on the down line (towards Howrah) just minutes before the Howrah-Mumbai Express came on the up line (towards Mumbai). The impact caused significant damage, leading to the derailment of the passenger train and since most passengers were asleep on the berths the injuries were caused as they were thrown off due to the impact of the crash. 

South Eastern Railway spokesperson Om Prakash Charan said, "At least 18 of the 22 coaches of 12810 Howrah-Mumbai Mail via Nagpur derailed near Barabamboo station in SER's Chakradharpur Division." 

Rescue and relief operations were promptly initiated, with the injured passengers receiving first aid. Railway officials have set up several helpline numbers to assist the affected families and provide updates on the situation. The incident has sparked concerns over railway safety, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressing her condolences to the victims' families and criticizing the central government's handling of railway safety. The Congress party also took a swipe at Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after the train derailment, saying since June the "Fail Minister" has "overseen three accidents" that have cumulatively cost 17 lives but there is "no accountability" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new India.

This accident marks the third railway mishap in Jharkhand in the past seven months. On July 18, a similar incident occurred when several bogies of the Dibrugarh Express derailed in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in four deaths and around 20 injuries. A few days later, a goods train derailed near Amroha railway station, disrupting the Delhi-Lucknow rail line.

The crash prompted the railways to divert or cancel around 35 trains mostly in the South Eastern Railway Zones, officials said adding that efforts are on to restore the three affected tracks. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the derailment and prevent future occurrences and their focus remains on providing support to the victims and their families during this difficult time.