Kolkata: 12 coaches of Guwahati-Bikaner Express derailed on Thursday in Domohani area in Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal, eight passengers dead and more than 67 persons have been injured.

The railway authorities announced an exgratia of Rs Five lakhs to the deceased families, Rs One lakh grave injured persons and Rs 25K for minor injuries. NDRF and SDRF teams started rescue operations at the accident spot at derailed coaches.

According to the sources, the Guwahati-Bikaner Express 15633 (up) started from Bikaner in Rajasthan was heading to Guwahati in Assam via Patna when the accident took place near Maynaguri in Jalpaiguri district at around 5.15 pm on Thursday.

The evacuation of people trapped in compartments continues, senior Railway officials have left Delhi for the accident site; an inquiry at the highest level has been ordered#WestBengal #Jalpaiguri #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/OzzrGHXoHE

— DD News (@DDNewslive) January 13, 2022

According to the Indian Railway sources 12 coaches have been affected, adding that the DRM and ADRM have rushed to the site along with the accident relief train and medical van. According to railway authorities, 4 of the 12 coaches have been fully damaged and the rescue teams, including that from NDRF and BSF, are trying to cut open the coaches with gas cutters.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamatha Banerjee anguished over the incident and deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. Senior officers of the state government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations. Those injured will receive medical attention as early as possible. The injured persons are being shifted to the Jalpaiguri Super Specialty Hospital, while the seriously injured people are rushed to the North Bengal Medical College.