Kolkata Metro train derails for first time

Commuters in a Kabi Nazrul station-bound Metro train panicked, some even fell sick, after two coaches of the tube rail derailed near central station, triggering disruption of underground train services.

None of the passengers were injured though many of them fell ill due to trauma, police and railway sources said. The tube carrying peak morning rush-hour passengers screeched to a halt after two wheels of a rake jumped the rails, forcing the packed train to rock violently.

Eyewitnesses said fire was also noticed underneath the rake and black thick smoke bellowed out, prompting frenetic cries and jostles in the cramped compartments.

According to Metro staff, some of the panicked passengers jumped off the rake on the dark tunnel and walked up to the nearest central station. The others were evacuated through an emergency exit. Police and fire brigade personnel also evacuated the sick to a nearby hospital.