Shocking visuals: 3 coaches of Ujjain Express derail during shunting in Rishikesh

Rishikesh: Three coaches of Train No. 14317 Ujjaini Express derailed during a shunting movement in the railway yard near Khand Gaon in Rishikesh, officials said.

A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media. 

According to Moradabad Division Northern Railway, the train was completely empty at the time of the incident and no casualties or injuries were reported.

Following the derailment, rescue and restoration operations were launched immediately by the railway administration and continued through the night into the morning.

Railway officials said cranes and heavy machinery were deployed to remove the three severely damaged coaches that went off the tracks. Restoration teams have been working continuously to clear the affected section and normalise operations.

Authorities are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the derailment. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

The Ujjain Express met with an accident near Yog Nagari Railway Station in Rishikesh on Monday night around 9:30 pm.

Preliminary findings suggest that the train suffered a brake failure during routine maintenance.

A large crowd gathered on the tracks after the accident by then. GRP (Government Railway Police) personnel took charge and cleared the people from the site.

An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact reasons. 

In a separate development, a sudden blaze erupted inside a coach of the Sasaram-Patna Passenger train on Monday at the Sasaram railway station.

The coach was completely gutted after that fire broke out. Firefighting teams reached the platform quickly and brought the flame under control.

Railway authorities confirmed that no passengers were injured or killed in the incident, as the train coach was empty.

According to the Inspector of the Railway Protection Force, fire broke out in a coach of the Sasaram-Patna Passenger train. Firefighters brought the fire under control, and no casualties were reported

Highlighting the ongoing official inquiry into the matter, Inspector Railway Protection Force (RPF), while talking to the reporters, said, "This was the Sasaram-Patna Passenger train. A fire broke out in one of its coaches. That coach was empty. The cause of the fire is being investigated."

Further investigation is underway.