Train derailment toll rises to 114

KOLKATA: The toll in the Gyaneswari Express disaster today climbed to 114 with the recovery of more bodies from the mangled coaches, South Eastern Railway sources said.

"The rescuers have found 15 bodies from underneath the engine of the goods train which rammed into Gyaneswari Express. The toll till 4.30 pm stands at 114," the sources told PTI.

Pointing out that the engine was entangled between coaches S-5 and S-6 of the ill-fated train, the sources expressed fear that the toll would rise 'substantially' as more bodies were trapped beneath coach S-5.

The sources said that a nor'wester, accompanied by heavy rains, lashed the mishap spot this afternoon, slowing down rescue work for some time. "The wind speed was about 80 kmph, but the rescuers continued the work, although at a slow pace."

The sources said it may not be possible to clear the tracks today as the engine, along with coaches S-5 and S-6 were badly damaged and it would take some time to separate them.

Maoists derailed the Howrah-Kurla Lomanya Tilak Gyaneshwari Super Deluxe Express yesterday when the train was running between Khemasoli and Sardiya stations in the wee hours.