Overview
- Eight wagons derailed between Lahaban and Simultala around 11:25 pm on December 27, with reports varying on the total count and some citing wagons falling off a bridge near Telwa Bazar Halt over the Barua river.
- Both up and down lines on the busy Howrah–Patna–Delhi route were blocked, triggering widespread cancellations, diversions and short terminations across long-distance and regional services.
- Accident Relief Trains and cranes were rushed from Asansol, Madhupur and Jhajha, and restoration is being carried out on a war footing to clear wreckage and reopen the section.
- No casualties have been reported, and officials said the derailed consist was carrying cement that spilled across the bridge area, complicating clearance.
- Eastern Railway ordered an inquiry, with preliminary checks focusing on track maintenance and wagon condition, and passengers were advised to check live updates as routes such as Rajdhani and Vande Bharat services were rerouted.