5 killed as train derails in Bengal

At least five passengers were killed and another 20 others injured when 12 bogies of the Guwahati-bound Bikaner Express derailed in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. The last fatal train accident was reported in March 22, 2019. The news came as a shock to the rail ministry and the railway board ordered a high level inquiry into the accident. Railway board chairman V K Tripathi and the director general (safety) rushed to the spot. Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also left for the site to take stock of the situation. Vaishnaw announced an ex- gratia relief of Rs 500,000 for the kin of the dead, Rs 100,000 for the grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for simply injured persons. Officials said the reason for the derailment was unclear and detailed investigation will reveal the exact cause of the accident.