A major rail accident struck Jharkhand’s Seraikela-Kharswan district early Saturday when over 20 wagons of a goods train derailed near Chandil Junction, severely disrupting services on the Chandil-Tatanagar section of South Eastern Railway. The incident, occurring around 4:15 AM, involved an iron-loaded train traveling from Tatanagar to Purulia, with initial reports pointing to a technical fault and signal failure as possible causes.

Impact on Rail Services

The derailment damaged tracks on both the up and down lines, halting train operations. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Adra Division) Vikash Kumar confirmed that restoration efforts are underway, but no timeline for full recovery has been provided. Several trains, including the 20894 Patna-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express, 28181 Tatanagar-Katihar Express, and 28182 Katihar-Tatanagar Express, have been canceled, while others were diverted or short-terminated, causing significant inconvenience to passengers.

No Casualties Reported

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, averting a potential tragedy. The train, carrying iron plates, saw some wagons collide with another goods train on an adjacent track, exacerbating track damage. Local residents gathered at the site as railway officials scrambled to manage the crisis.

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Ongoing Investigation and Response

Railway authorities are investigating the cause, with preliminary findings suggesting a signal malfunction or technical issue. The derailment follows a pattern of recent rail accidents in Jharkhand, raising concerns about infrastructure and safety protocols. Restoration work continues, with teams working to clear the wreckage and repair the tracks to resume normal operations.

This incident underscores the need for robust railway safety measures as authorities work to mitigate disruptions and prevent future accidents.

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