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 On July 30, 2024, a major train crash took place in India involving the Howrah-Mumbai Mail. The train derailed in the early hours of the morning, around 3:39 AM, close to Barabamboo station in Jharkhand. It is believed to have hit a goods train that had already derailed on the same line. This event led to at least two deaths and more than 20 injuries among the passengers.

The crash impacted 18 out of the 22 coaches of the train, which was moving at a speed of about 120 km/h at the moment of the incident. The Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Hemant Soren, has ordered officials to provide immediate help to the injured passengers, while the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has criticized the government for its approach to railway safety, pointing out the rise in such accidents recently.

This accident is the third in India in the last two months and the sixth major incident of the year. The Indian Railways is under increasing pressure regarding safety standards, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw promising to dedicate significant funds to improve safety measures in light of ongoing issues with railway infrastructure.

    

What were the main causes of the howrah-mumbai mail derailment

The primary reasons for the derailment of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail train near Barabamboo station in Jharkhand on July 30, 2024 included:

1. A freight train had already derailed on the other side of the line, blocking the path. The Howrah-Mumbai Mail was moving at a fast pace of approximately 120 km/h when it crashed into the derailed freight train.

2. Powerful gusts of wind blew off the plastic cover protecting the derailed freight train wagons. The plastic debris scattered and landed on the windshield of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail's engine, blocking the view of the train's engineer.

3. In an effort to halt the train swiftly, the engineer of the locomotive activated the emergency brakes, leading to the derailment of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail with 18 out of its 22 coaches rolling off the tracks[2][4]. The abrupt stop at a high velocity was the cause of the derailment.

4. There are some reports suggesting the engineer might have been driving too fast, which made the situation worse when the emergency brakes were used[5]. However, railway unions have criticized these allegations, claiming the ministry was pointing fingers at the engineer before a thorough investigation could be conducted.

In conclusion, the main reasons for the derailment were the collision with the already derailed freight train on the opposite side of the line, the obstruction of the engineer's view by the plastic debris, and the emergency braking at high speed that resulted in the derailment of the Howrah-Mumbai Mail. The exact speed of the train at the moment of the crash is still under dispute.

How are the families of the victimss being supported

The families of the victims from the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailment are receiving various forms of support following the tragedy:

1. Compensation from the Railway Ministry: The Indian Railway Ministry has announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000) for the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. Additionally, ₹5 lakh (around $6,000) will be provided to those who sustained serious injuries, and ₹1 lakh (about $1,200) for those with minor injuries. This financial assistance aims to help families cope with the immediate aftermath of the incident and cover funeral and medical expenses.

2. Rescue and Relief Operations: Authorities have been actively involved in rescue operations and have ensured that injured passengers receive medical attention. The South Eastern Railway has focused on both immediate relief efforts and the restoration of rail services following the accident.

3. Community and NGO Support: Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community groups are working to provide additional support to affected families. This includes distributing food, medical supplies, and other essentials to those impacted by the derailment. Organizations are also planning long-term rehabilitation programs to assist families in rebuilding their lives.

4. Emotional and Psychological Support: Counseling services are being offered to help families cope with the trauma and grief resulting from the accident. Emotional and psychosocial support is crucial for those who have lost loved ones or sustained injuries.

These combined efforts aim to provide both immediate relief and long-term support to the families affected by this tragic incident.

How are the injured passengers being Rehabilitated

The injured passengers from the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailment are being rehabilitated through various measures:

#Medical Treatment

- All injured passengers were immediately transported by bus to Chakradharpur Railway Division Hospital for treatment.

- Eight seriously injured passengers were admitted to the hospital, while others with minor injuries received first aid.

- A medical team from Ranchi was dispatched to the accident site to provide additional support.

#Compensation and Financial Assistance

- The Railway Ministry announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakh (approximately $12,000) for the families of those who lost their lives in the accident.

- For seriously injured passengers, ₹5 lakh (around $6,000) will be provided, and ₹1 lakh (about $1,200) for those with minor injuries.

- This financial assistance aims to help families cover medical expenses and support the rehabilitation process.

# Rescue and Relief Operations

- Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) and additional staff from the Chakradharpur Railway Division were dispatched to manage the situation and provide immediate assistance.

- Stranded passengers were evacuated from the accident site and sent to their destination by special trains and buses.

# Emotional and Psychological Support

- Counseling services are being offered to help injured passengers and their families cope with the trauma and grief resulting from the accident.

- Emotional and psychosocial support is crucial for those who have sustained injuries and are undergoing rehabilitation.

These efforts aim to provide comprehensive support, including medical treatment, financial assistance, and emotional support, to ensure the effective rehabilitation of injured passengers from the Howrah-Mumbai Mail derailment.