The Sabarmati Express derailed near Kanpur, sparking fears of sabotage. No casualties reported, as the IB and UP Police investigate the incident.
Sabarmati Express Accident Raises Eyebrows in Kanpur
A significant train accident occurred last night involving the Sabarmati Express (Train No. 19168) on its route from Varanasi to Ahmedabad. The derailment took place between Kanpur and Bhimsen stations in Uttar Pradesh. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, but the incident has sparked widespread concern and speculation.
Railway Minister’s Statement Hints at Possible Sabotage
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav promptly addressed the situation, sharing critical information through a tweet. His statement pointed to the possibility of foul play. The minister revealed that the engine of the Sabarmati Express collided with an object deliberately placed on the tracks, causing the train to derail.
Vaishnav stated, “At 2:35 am, the Sabarmati Express collided with an object placed on the track, leading to the derailment near Kanpur. Several marks were found on the train, and evidence has been preserved. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and UP Police are actively investigating the matter. Thankfully, there were no injuries to passengers or staff. Alternative arrangements have been made to ensure the passengers’ journey to Ahmedabad continues.”
Eyewitness Accounts Add Weight to Sabotage Theories
Passengers on board the Sabarmati Express recounted their harrowing experience. One passenger shared, “After the train left Kanpur railway station, we suddenly heard a loud sound as something struck the train. The coach started shaking violently, and everyone was terrified. Fortunately, the train came to a halt quickly.”
These eyewitness accounts bolster the suspicion that the derailment might not have been an accident, but rather a premeditated act. The loud noise and the subsequent derailment suggest that something significant struck the train, further supporting the sabotage theory.
Authorities Investigate: Evidence Under Scrutiny
The derailment led to the immediate involvement of local authorities, including the Additional District Magistrate, Rakesh Verma, who inspected the accident site. He confirmed that 22 bogies had derailed, marking the severity of the incident. Verma’s assessment has further fueled the investigation, with evidence now under intense scrutiny.
The IB, in collaboration with the UP Police, is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. The discovery of marks on the train and the preserved evidence suggest that authorities are treating this as a serious case of potential sabotage.
Impact on Rail Services: Cancellations and Route Changes
In the wake of the Sabarmati Express derailment, several trains have been either canceled or rerouted. This disruption has caused inconvenience to passengers, as the railway authorities work to manage the aftermath of the incident.
Canceled Trains:
- Train No. 04143: Khajuraho to Kanpur Central, originally scheduled for 17.08.24, will be partially canceled at Banda.
- Train No. 04144: Kanpur Central to Khajuraho, originally scheduled for 17.08.24, will now commence from Banda.
Route Changes:
- Train No. 05326: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to Gorakhpur, originally scheduled to start on 16.08.24, will now follow the Jhansi-Gwalior-Bhind-Etawah-Kanpur Central route.
The Path Forward: Ensuring Passenger Safety
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all passengers. The authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the derailment and prevent such incidents in the future. The quick response and transparent communication from the Railway Ministry reflect a commitment to passenger welfare and public safety.
The derailment of the Sabarmati Express serves as a reminder of the potential risks in railway operations and the importance of vigilance and security measures. With the ongoing investigation, the hope is that the exact cause of the derailment will be determined soon, and appropriate actions will be taken to address any security lapses.
Vigilance and Investigation Key to Resolving Sabarmati Express Incident
The derailment of the Sabarmati Express near Kanpur has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of railway operations in India. With evidence pointing towards possible sabotage, the investigation led by the IB and UP Police will be crucial in uncovering the truth. As the authorities work diligently to resolve this incident, the priority remains the safety and security of passengers across the railway network.
