Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express train accident and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured. A release by the Prime Minister's Office said, Mr Modi is in touch with the Railway Minister, who has updated him on the relief work at the accident site.

At least 4 persons were killed and 8 injured when the New Delhi – Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express derailed in Chhapra district of Bihar early this morning.

The accident took place at 2.15 AM between Goldenganj and Chhapra Kachari Stations on Sonpur-Chhapra section. Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena told AIR that 12 coaches and the engine of the train have been affected in the derailment.

He said, out of 12 derailed coaches, 4 coaches and the pantry car have been badly damaged. Injured passengers have been admitted to Chhapra Sadar Hospital. Train services on the route have been suspended. Medical teams have been dispatched from Chapra and Sonpur. A rescue team has also reached the spot.

According to the Divisional Manager of Sonpur Railway Division RK Aggarwal, the accident occurred when the driver suddenly applied brakes. He said rescue and relief work has already started.

A special train has been dispatched to the spot to take the stranded passengers to their destinations.

Helpline numbers have been provided by the authorities to assist families. New Delhi helpline numbers are 011-23341074, 011-23341072, 011-23967332 and 011-23962389. Sonpur control room number is 09771429999 and Chhapra helpline number is 06152-243409.East Central Railway Chief Public Relation Officer Arvind Kumar Rajak said the involvement of Maoists in the accident cannot be ruled out as they have called for a two-day bandh beginning yesterday.

In another accident, 18 bogies of a goods train derailed late last night near Chakiya railway station on the Muzaffarrpur-Narkatiyaganj railway section in Samastipur division.