Guwahati-Puri Express tragedy: Rescue and relief work still at full swing

Guwahati, July 11 (ANI): Rescue operations were in full swing at the site where the Guwahati-Puri Express train derailed, following a powerful IED blast on Sunday evening.

The engine and four bogies of the train derailed at Dhatkuchi between Rangia and Ghagrapar about 30 km from Guwahati at around 8.30 p.m.

Railway Police sources today said 43 passengers were injured following the derailment. There are no reports of any casualties so far.

"There were no causalities in this train accident. We have already sent the injured to Guwahati through relief trains for treatment," said S. Hajong, Chief Public Relations Officer, Northeast Frontier Railway.

Meanwhile, the North East Frontier Railway has taken up repairing of the damaged track on a war footing. All outgoing and incoming trains to Guwahati have been diverted via Goalpara - New Bongaigaon on the South Bank. Seven trains have been cancelled following the accident.

The unaffected coaches of 15640 Guwahati-Puri Express that met with an accident were brought back to Guwahati along with the passengers last night.

The anti-talk faction of the banned National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) outfit is suspected to have been behind the blast.

Army and police have recovered some wires of remote control device used for the blast from the accident site.

The North-East Frontier Railway has installed telephone helpline numbers -- 0361-2737154, 2737155, 2731621/ 622/ 623 and 9957554804. (ANI)