Odisha, March 30 — One person died and seven others were injured after 11 coaches of the SMVT Bengaluru-Kamakhya AC Express derailed near Nirgundi in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Sunday, officials said.
Cuttack District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde confirmed the fatality and said the injured were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCB MCH), where they are reported to be stable. Several passengers also fell ill due to the prevailing heatwave conditions and were treated at a temporary health camp set up at the accident site.
The derailment disrupted services on the Howrah-Chennai route, forcing the diversion of Dhauli Express, Neelachal Express, and Purulia Express. However, officials said the up line has been restored and a special train is carrying the stranded passengers to Kamakhya.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed concern, stating that authorities are working to restore normalcy and have activated helplines (8455885999, 8991124238) for support. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said two people from his state were injured but are out of danger.
