JAMSHEDPUR/RANCHI/KOLKATA, July 30: A major train accident occurred early Tuesday morning in Jharkhand’s Seraikela-Kharsawan district, resulting in the derailment of at least 18 coaches of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail. The incident, which took place at approximately 3:45 AM near Barabamboo—around 80 km from Jamshedpur—has led to the deaths of two individuals and injured at least 20 others.
According to officials, the Howrah-Mumbai Mail, which was en route to Mumbai from Howrah, collided with a stationary goods train. The South Eastern Railway (SER) has confirmed that 18 out of the 22 coaches of the train derailed. The affected coaches include 16 passenger coaches, one power car, and one pantry car.
Rescue operations are currently underway with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) dispatched to the scene. West Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Kuldeep Chaudhary, who is at the accident site, reported that rescue teams are working diligently to provide aid and transport the injured to nearby facilities. A relief train has been arranged to evacuate passengers to Chakradharpur railway station, and additional buses are being organized for further transportation.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has instructed officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure that those affected receive prompt medical attention. Injured passengers are being treated at Barabamboo before being transferred to Chakradharpur for more comprehensive care.
Due to the derailment, several trains on the route have been cancelled or diverted, including the 22861 Howrah-Titlagarh-Kantabanji Ispat Express and the 12021 Howrah-Barbil Janshatabdi Express. The South Eastern Railway has set up helplines to assist passengers and their families. The numbers are as follows:
Mumbai: 022-22694040
Bhusawal: 08799982712
Nagpur: 7757912790
Tata: 0657-2290324
Chakradharpur: 06587-238072
Rourkela: 0661-2501072, 0661-2500244
Jharsuguda: 06645-272530
Howrah: 9433357920, 033-26382217
Shalimar: 7595074427, 6295531471
Kharagpur: 03222-293764
