Fifty-three of 58 coal-laden compartments of a goods train derailed on the Gaya-Dhanbad section of East Central Railways (ECR), forcing the diversion of over a dozen long-distance passenger trains ahead of Chhath when tens of thousands of migrant workers return to Bihar and Jharkhand to celebrate the festival.
Officials said no casualty was immediately reported and that the derailment took place after the train’s brakes failed and it collided with an electric pole while crossing a hilly area. The train was on its way from Gaya to Koderma.
Officials said the loco pilot tried to reduce the train speed after noticing problems with the brake but due to the steep slope it was not possible.
