EMU hits platform buffer at Sealdah station, gets partially derailed

Kolkata July 19 (IANS) An Electronic Metro Unit (EMU) got partially derailed after hitting the platform buffer at Sealdah south section here injuring at least three passengers during the busy office hours on Wednesday morning.

"The down Sonarpur-Sealdah Local was accidentally overspeeding and hit the guard wall on platform No.13 of Sealdah south section around 10.25 a.m. on Wednesday. Two wheels of a train coach got derailed in the impact " Ravi Mahapatra Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern Railway told IANS.

According to the official the train was supposed to stop at least four or five feet before the buffer at the terminal station but instead it hit the guard wall.

Local sources at the station claimed that at least 21 passengers sustained injuries in the accident while the Eastern Railway said they have received reports about three injuries.

"According to our estimation three passengers sustained minor injuries in the accident. They were rushed to the nearby B.R. Singh Hospital and were released after first aid " Mahapatra said.

The official said two local trains were cancelled after the incident. However train services were maintained through the other platforms.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident by the railway authorities.

"We have started an inquiry to ascertain why such an accident happened. The driver of the EMU Mainul Haque and the motorman R.A. Biswas have been suspended " the official added.

--IANS
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