Himachal Pradesh: Two killed, 13 injured as Kalka toy train derails

Sources said preliminary inquiries revealed that the train driver was speeding at the time of the accident. A senior Railways official said an FIR under Sections 279, 337 and 304-A had been lodged against the driver and further probe was underway.

The preliminary findings are based on the statements of the injured passengers and people who reached the accident site first.

“Our teams at the spot have spoken to the passengers who were injured… a few have suffered serious injuries,” said IGP (Railway and Traffic) Zahur Haider Zaidi.

“The driver was going too fast. It was just too sudden. We were shocked,” said a passenger, Stevens.

“Suddenly there was a jolt, and the train tilted. There was panic… we were all in shock. We did not realise what had happened,” recalled another passenger, Paulin Liyod, who was in the third coach.

While some of the injured were discharged after first-aid, at least three have been admitted to hospital.

“All the injured were brought to ESI Hospital, Kalka, and stabilised, following which they were referred to Max Hospital, Mohali, as per the directions of the Railways officials. Two women were brought dead,” said Dr Vinod Kapil, Medical Superintendent, ESI Hospital, Kalka.

Raaja Bhasin, a Shimla-based historian who was one of the Indian guides in the train, said: “It took just a fraction of a second… I had taken a seat just a minute before the accident… otherwise I would not have been alive.”

Railway officials said while three of the four coaches of the train had derailed, the engine had not suffered any damage. “An enquiry has been marked to ascertain the cause which led to the incident. Suitable action will be taken,” said station superintendent, V K Arora.