Palamu Express derails following blast in Latehar district

LATEHAR(JHARKHAND): Palamau Express derailed this evening after suspected Maoists blew up a stretch of railway tracks in Latehar district but no casualty or injury was reported.

The engine and three coaches of the train going from Barkakana to Patna jumped the rails following the blast, Chhipadohar railway station master R P Bhagotia said.

However, there was no casualty or injury to any passenger due to the derailment, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Palamau Range) Saket Kumar Singh said.

The station master said the blast occurred around 8 PM near Kuchila village between Chhipadohar and Barwadih stations.

The CPI(Maoist) is observing a 24-hour bandh today in Bihar and Jharkhand to protest against the gunning down of their cadres in Palamau district on June 9.