Train derails in Assam, 100 injured

GUWAHATI - A passenger train headed to Arunachal Pradesh derailed in Assam Friday, leaving at least 100 people injured, officials said.

A railway spokesperson said the Murkokseleng Express bound from Rangiya in Assam to Murkokseleng in adjoining Arunachal Pradesh derailed near Gohpur, 260 km north of the states main city of Guwahati.

Preliminary reports indicate the engine of the train and three other coaches derailed near Gohpur although investigations are on to ascertain the reasons behind the accident, railway spokesperson S. Hajong told IANS.

There were about 300 passengers in the daily local train with preliminary reports estimating the number of people injured to be around 100.

Four of the critically injured people were shifted to Guwahati for advanced treatment, while many were released from hospitals after administering first aid, Hajong said.

Most of those injured suffered cuts and bruises, while some sustained hand injuries as well.

The area where the accident took place is a stronghold of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe.

Investigations are on and we are examining all details. We have to ascertain if the derailment was an accident or sabotage, a senior police official said.

NDFB is known to attack trains - either by planting bombs or removing fishplates on the tracks.