Saraikela, August 9 (H.S.) — In the early hours of Saturday, a major rail accident struck near Chandil in Jharkhand’s Saraikela Kharsawan district, when two goods trains collided head-on around two kilometers from Chandil railway station. The accident occurred at approximately 4:15 AM near pole number 375/22. One train was en route from Tatanagar to Bokaro, while the other was traveling from Bokaro to Tatanagar.

The impact was severe, derailing multiple wagons and heavily damaging both locomotives. Debris scattered across the tracks, completely disrupting rail operations on both up and down lines. Initial investigations point to a possible technical fault in the signaling system as the cause.

Local residents rushed to the site to assist with relief efforts after hearing the loud crash. Senior officials from South Eastern Railway, emergency rescue teams, and medical personnel arrived promptly. A few crew members suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital.

All passenger and freight train services on the Chandil-Tatanagar and Chandil-Bokaro routes have been canceled, with many trains diverted or short-terminated. Passengers are being informed through helpdesks and regular announcements at stations.

Railway authorities expect that restoring the damaged tracks will take more than 24 hours. A high-level investigation has been ordered, and goods transportation has also been heavily affected. Passengers are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and refer to official railway sources for the latest updates.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar