1 Dead, 7 Injured as Bangalore-Kamakhya Express Derails in Odisha’s Cuttack

A tragic derailment of the Bangalore-Kamakhya AC Superfast Express claimed one life and left seven injured on Sunday in Odisha’s Cuttack district, prompting an immediate response from railway and emergency services. The incident, involving 11 coaches near Nergundi Station, has disrupted rail traffic as authorities scramble to assist passengers and investigate the cause.

The accident occurred at 11:54 AM near Nergundi Station in the Cuttack-Nergundi Railway Section under the Khurda Road Division of East Coast Railway (ECoR). According to officials, one passenger lost their life, while seven others sustained injuries in the derailment.

“We have received one body apart from some injured passengers. Three teams of doctors are treating the injured,” said Subash Chandra Ray, Administrative Officer at SCB Medical College and Hospital, where the victims were taken.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Fire Services were quickly deployed to the site. Ashok Kumar Mishra, Chief Public Relations Officer of ECoR, confirmed that a relief train was dispatched to assist stranded passengers.

“Our resources are on the ground, ensuring safety and swift assistance to those affected,” Mishra stated, adding that senior officials, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and General Manager of ECoR, were overseeing operations at the scene.

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The derailment follows a security operation on Saturday in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, where forces recovered rifles, mortars, and ammunition from Thangjing hill forest. While unrelated, the timing underscores heightened activity in the region amid ongoing challenges.

In Cuttack, an accident relief and medical train has been rushed to the site to support rescue efforts and provide immediate care to the injured.

ECoR officials reported that several train routes have been diverted due to the derailment. Arrangements are underway to transport affected passengers to their destinations via alternate means, with restoration work set to begin once evacuations are complete.

The Railways has issued helpline numbers—8455885999 and 8991124238—for passengers and families seeking updates or assistance following the incident.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the situation, stating, “I am aware of the incident involving the 12551 Kamakhya Express in Odisha. My office is in touch with the Odisha Government and Railways. We will reach out to every person affected.”

The train was en route from Bangalore to Kamakhya in Assam when the derailment occurred, raising concerns among passengers traveling to the Northeast.

The exact reason behind the derailment remains unclear, with railway authorities launching a probe to determine the factors involved. Efforts are focused on clearing the tracks and restoring normalcy to the affected section, a key route in Odisha.

As of now, the identity of the deceased passenger has not been disclosed, pending official confirmation from authorities.

Rescue operations continue as teams work to ensure all passengers are accounted for and safely transported. The investigation into the derailment’s cause is expected to provide clarity in the coming days, while railway officials aim to resume services on the impacted stretch soon.

Further updates on the victims’ conditions and the restoration process are awaited as the situation unfolds in Cuttack.