According to a spokesperson for the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the derailment happened because the loco pilot gave precedence to another train but was unable to control the speed, leading to the accident. The spokesperson stated that this resulted in an “unfortunate incident” where the engine and five coaches derailed. A recovery train was dispatched to the site to clear the affected tracks and conduct rescue operations, while an alternative train was arranged to transport stranded passengers to their destinations.
A pantry car manager provided a firsthand account of the event, noting that passengers were asleep at approximately 5 am when the train began to slow down as it approached Digaru station. He reported hearing an unidentified sound as the train crossed the platform, followed immediately by the sensation of the engine derailing. “We moved for another km in that derailed state,” the manager told news agency ANI, describing how the train continued to travel on the derailed track for nearly a kilometer before halting. He added that he fell from his seat three times during the incident and that the crew was unable to open the gates due to the chaos and anxiety among passengers.
Four injured passengers were taken to the Sonapur Primary Health Centre for treatment. Chief Minister Sarma stated in a social media post that basic necessities had been provided to the stranded passengers and that authorities are working closely with the Railway Ministry to manage the situation. The power car and engine were reported to be completely out of order following the crash.
The derailment highlights ongoing concerns regarding speed management and operational protocols in the region. While the immediate physical damage is limited to the locomotive and five coaches, the incident has temporarily halted services on the affected route. Railway authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the specific mechanical or human factors that contributed to the loss of speed control. No preliminary data on the cause beyond the steering error has been released, and the full extent of infrastructure repair required to restore normal services remains under assessment.
