Passenger train derails in India's northeastern state, no casualties

NEW DELHI –At least three coaches of a passenger train derailed Friday in India's eastern state of Bihar, railway officials said. 

So far, no loss of life or injuries to anyone were reported in the accident. 

The train derailed near Darbhanga district, 141 km northeast of Patna, the capital city of Bihar. 

"Today early morning, three coaches of Darbhanga-Kolkata Express derailed near a railway crossing here. The accident took place when almost all the passengers onboard were asleep," an official at Darbhanga said. 

"Soon after the information was received, relief and rescue teams were rushed to the spot to evacuate passengers. So far there are no reports of anyone being injured or killed in the derailment." 

Meanwhile, an inquiry has been ordered into the accident to fix responsibility. 

The derailment is likely to hit train traffic on the track. 

"The railway engineers along with their staff are on spot to bring back the coaches on the track," the official said. "The traffic is expected to resume shortly." 

Indian government in 2015 announced an investment of over 137 billion U.S. dollars over a period of five years to boost railways and modernize it on new lines. 

Indian sprawling railways is the world's third largest network, ferrying around 23 million people each day. 
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