Goods train derails after being hit by engine, guard injured

Burdwan/Kolkata: A goods train derailed and its guard was critically injured when a train engine rammed it from behind in Asansol division of Eastern Railway this evening, triggering disruption of services, ER officials said.

As the engine hit the stationary goods train, several of its rear coaches, including the guard's cabin derailed injuring the guard, M C Khan, critically, they said.

The incident occurred at around 7.30 PM in the up line between Kalubathan and Khatan Nagar stations under Asansol division.

The engine sent from Asansol station was supposed to help the goods train move forward by pushing it from behind as its own engine has not been able to pull it, officials said, adding the speed of the engine was much higher than it was supposed to be which led to the derailment.

The derailment triggered disruption of services in which several major trains including two Rajdhani Expresses were stranded, they said.

Howrah and Sealdah Rajdhanis were stranded at Barakar and Asansol stations respectively. The two trains left the stations at around 10 PM via diverted routes. Senior officials have reached the spot and attempts are being made to clear the track, officials said.