Gonda train accident: Loco pilot claims he heard loud explosion before derailment

A loco pilot of the derailed Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express claimed that he heard a sound of a loud explosion before the accident, Railways sources said.

Railways will also probe the sabotage angle, sources added.

At least three people were killed and 20 others injured after ten coaches of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailed between Motiganj-Jhilahi railway stations in Gonda district around 2.30 PM.

The Ministry of Railways has ordered a high-level inquiry into the derailment of the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh express train in the Gonda District of Uttar Pradesh.

The Ministry also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injury, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

The accident comes just weeks after the Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, leading to the death of 10 people.