Train Accident Strikes Jamtara – Jharkhand – February 28, 2024 – In a harrowing incident today, a fatal train accident unfolded at Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara, Jharkhand, leaving a trail of sorrow and prompting swift responses from authorities. As the situation unfolds, here is a comprehensive update on the tragic event.
Train Accident Strikes Jamtara : Tragedy Claims Lives, Investigations Underway
Chronology of Events:
28 Feb 2024, 09:20:56 PM IST – Initial Report: Two individuals lost their lives as a train ran over commuters at Kalajharia railway station in Jamtara. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, triggering an immediate response from the authorities.
28 Feb 2024, 09:31:40 PM IST – Deputy Commissioner’s Statement: The Deputy Commissioner of Jamtara, in a statement to ANI, confirmed the tragic event. A train ran over passengers at Kalajharia railway station, resulting in reported deaths. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, but medical teams and ambulances have been deployed to the scene.
28 Feb 2024, 09:32:32 PM IST – Formation of Investigative Committee: To shed light on the circumstances leading to the accident, a three-member Joint Accident Inquiry Committee (JAG) has been swiftly formed, as announced by Kaushik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Eastern Railway.
28 Feb 2024, 09:38:51 PM IST – SDM Anant Kumar Provides Insight: Anant Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Jamtara, shared crucial details regarding the incident. A train had come to a halt near the Kalajharia railway crossing, and passengers disembarked from the wrong side. Tragically, these individuals were subsequently run over by another local train.
28 Feb 2024, 09:40:20 PM IST – Request for Helpline and Ongoing Investigation: Anant Kumar further stated that two bodies have been recovered so far, and a request has been made to the Railways to initiate a helpline number. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
28 Feb 2024, 09:43:44 PM IST – MLA Irfan Ansari’s Directive: Jamtara MLA Irfan Ansari has directed efforts to identify those responsible for the tragic event. He expressed his intention to bring the matter to the Assembly, emphasizing that the deceased individuals have not yet been identified.
28 Feb 2024, 09:52:07 PM IST – Eyewitness Account by Surendra Mandal: Surendra Mandal, a witness and Jamtara Zila Parishad member, provided a detailed account of the incident. According to Mandal, stones on the tracks led to a fire under the wheels of an express train, prompting passengers to pull the emergency chain and exit the train. Tragically, some of these passengers were then run over by a local train while walking on the adjacent track.
28 Feb 2024, 10:00:15 PM IST – Deputy Commissioner: Too Early to Confirm Exact Deaths: The Deputy Commissioner reiterated that it is too early to determine the exact number of deaths in the incident. The search operation is ongoing, with authorities working diligently to ascertain the full extent of the tragedy.
28 Feb 2024, 10:05:17 PM IST – Chief Minister Champai Soren’s Response: Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren expressed deep sadness over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He assured that the administration is actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts on the ground and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
28 Feb 2024, 10:15:24 PM IST – Jamtara Zila Parishad Member: Fire Started, Chain Pulled: Surendra Mandal reiterated in a later update that the incident was triggered by a fire caused by stones on the tracks. Passengers pulled the emergency chain, leading to their exit from the train. Subsequently, a local train ran over some of these passengers.
28 Feb 2024, 10:18:40 PM IST – SDO Anant Kumar’s Update: SDO Anant Kumar emphasized the ongoing search operation and the need for medical officers in local hospitals to collect information about the injured. The reason behind the incident will be determined after a thorough investigation.
28 Feb 2024, 10:23:57 PM IST – President Murmu Conveys Condolences: President Murmu expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed his sadness over the sudden loss of lives in the train accident.
Conclusion:
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic train accident in Jamtara, the formation of the JAG committee signals the commencement of a detailed investigation. Authorities, including the Chief Minister and the Deputy Commissioner, are actively involved in rescue and relief efforts. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident. The community now awaits further updates as the investigation unfolds.
