Murshidabad: The Kolkata-Radhikapur Express engine derailed and caught fire early Monday after hitting a sand-loaded truck between Dhulianganga and Ballalpur in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.

Railway sources confirmed the detachment of the blazing engine and its prompt extinguishment by the fire brigade. The train, however, remained stranded at Ballalpur village in Farakka following the mishap.

According to railway authorities, the Kolkata-Radhikapur Express departed from Kolkata on Sunday evening bound for Radhikapur. At approximately 1:25 am on Monday, the train's driver applied emergency brakes upon encountering a sand-loaded truck obstructing the railway line beneath the Ballalpur bridge of Farakka. This collision caused the engine to derail and ignite, although no casualties were reported.

Railway officials, along with the Railway Police and Farakka Police Station Inspector-in-charge Debabrata Chakraborty, promptly responded to the scene. Two fire tenders were deployed, successfully extinguishing the fire.

#WATCH | Farakka, West Bengal: Radhikapur Express collided with a truck. The train derailed between Dhulianganga and Ballalpur at 0124 hrs. The engine derailed and caught fire. It was detached immediately, and the fire was extinguished. No causality was reported. pic.twitter.com/hTgQKDA2Kd

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

To assist stranded passengers, a special train was organized to transport them to Radhikapur, as confirmed by a railway official.

As a result of the incident, certain train services were affected. The 03091 UP Azimganj Junction-Sahibganj Express was cancelled, while the 02501 Kolkata-Agartala Special Fare AC Special was diverted via Azimganj - Nalhati- Rampurhat - Gumani. The 13033 Howrah - Katihar Express was also diverted through Azimganj - Nalhati - Rampurhat - Gumani. The 13163 Sealdah - Saharsha Junction Hate Bazare Express was directed back to Jangipur Road Station, with plans to divert it through Azimganj - Nalhati - Rampurhat - Gumani subsequently.

Similarly, the 13145 Kolkata-Radhikapur Express was redirected to Jangipur Road Station, with authorities intending to reroute it via Azimganj - Nalhati - Rampurhat - Gumani in the aftermath of the incident.

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