Goods train jumps into river as bridge collapses, five dead

Silchar, June 25 (UNI) At least five people, all railway employees, were killed when two engines and six compartments of a goods train fell into a river in North Cachar Hill district of southern Asom this morning.

The accident occurred when a steel bridge over the hilly river, which was in spate, collapsed when the goods train was crossing the section.

Official sources said five bodies have so far been recovered.

Search was on as more people were feared drowned or trapped inside the compartment.

The bodies have been identified as those of Noren Thakuria, Sunil Das, Khagan Rabha, Madan Haloi and S Chetri.

Unofficial sources, however, put the toll at 10 as many unauthorised passengers travel by the goods train every day.

The assistant driver was also critically injured in the mishap.

Significantly, the Barak Valley train loaded with passengers had passed the bridge just minutes before the incident.

The accident took place between Diaku and Mufa stations of metre-gauge Badarpur-Lumding Hill section of North-east Frontier Railway, 52 km from Lumding at 1045 hours. The goods train was coming from Lumding to Badarpur and was carrying rice for the Food Corporation of India.

Sources said apart from two drivers, the goods train was carrying ten other gangmen, who boarded the freight train from Lunting station.

Senior railway officials have rushed to the spot.

Sources said the bridge (No 108) was under repair for sometime. A pillar of the bridge had collapsed.

Railway officials are yet to ascertain the number of days it would take for restoration of railway service in the 218 km long Badarpur-Lumding section of NF Railway.

UNI