Bihar train derailment facts for kids
The Bihar train derailment was a very serious train accident that happened in India. On June 6, 1981, a passenger train carrying over 800 people was traveling between Mansi and Saharsa railway stations in Bihar. As the train crossed a bridge, it went off the tracks and fell into the River Bagmati.
What Happened to the Passengers?
After five days, rescue teams found about 200 bodies from the train. Many more passengers, possibly hundreds, were missing and believed to have been swept away by the strong river currents. The total number of deaths was estimated to be between 500 and 800 people. This accident is considered one of the deadliest railway accidents in the world.
Why Did It Happen?
People involved in the investigation suggested several possible reasons for this terrible train derailment. Some of the ideas included:
- The train's brakes might have failed when the driver tried to avoid hitting a water buffalo on the tracks.
- A powerful storm, known as a cyclone, could have affected the train or the tracks.
- Sudden, heavy rains causing flash floods might have weakened the bridge or tracks.
