Train services between North and South Bengal remain grossly affected following the accident and engine derailment of 13145 Up Radhikapur Express near Ballarpur station near Farakka in Murshidabad district early Monday morning.

About 15 passengers sustained injuries on account of the train’s midnight collision with the rear end of a sand-laden truck which came on the tracks through an unmanned level crossing causing one of the compartments of the long-distance train to catch fire and the goods vehicle getting mangled. While the condition of two injured persons were stated to be critical and remain admitted in the local subdivision hospital, 12 people were reportedly treated and discharged.

Several long distance trains, including intercity passenger trains, were cancelled or short terminated inconveniencing passengers on the first working day of the week. While railway authorities have deployed a 60-member team to clear the down track, it could take several more hours to normalise train movement through the up line, it was learned. A relief train to transport the stranded passengers of the Radhikapur Express has also been reportedly deployed from Malda.

While the affected engine of the passenger train has been removed alongside the truck, efforts are being made to shift the rakes of the derailed train on to the nearest loop line, rail officials said. Repair work of the affected track is also being done on war footing, officials claimed.