Two loco pilots killed, 4 injured in Jharkhand freight train collision

A head-on collision between two freight trains operated by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) resulted in the death of two loco pilots and left four others injured in the early hours of Tuesday, April 1.

The accident occurred at approximately 3:00 AM near Bhognadih in the Barhait police station area of Sahibganj district.

According to police sources, one NTPC freight train, equipped with two diesel engines, was stationed near a crossing, allowing another train to pass. However, due to an apparent miscalculation, another freight train—also with two diesel engines—entered the same track, resulting in a head-on collision and subsequent derailment of both trains.

The affected railway tracks are owned by NTPC and are primarily used for coal transportation to its power plants.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Kumar Singh confirmed the deaths of both loco pilots, identified as Dnyaneshwar Mal (35) and Ambuj Mahato (35).

The injured include:

Assistant Loco Pilot GK Nath

Assistant Loco Pilot Rajendra Kumar

Labourer Ravi Ghosh

Labourer Zirul Sheikh

All injured individuals were transported to Malda for medical treatment.

Following the collision, a fire erupted at the accident site. Firefighters promptly arrived and extinguished the blaze, after which the bodies of the deceased were sent for post-mortem examination.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, while NTPC and railway officials are assessing the extent of damage and working towards track restoration.