Bihar train disaster

In the Bihar train disaster on June 6, 1981, a passenger train carrying 800 or more passengers^[1] between Mansi and Saharsa, India derailed and plunged into the river Bagmati while it was crossing a bridge.

After five days, more than 200 bodies were recovered, with hundreds more missing that were feared washed away by the river.^[2][1] Estimates of total deaths range from 500 to 800 or more.^[1] The accident is among the deadliest-ever rail accident on record.

The cause of the accident is uncertain as there are multiple causes listed online:

• a cyclone ^[3]
• flash flooding ^[4]
• brake failure while trying to avoid hitting a water buffalo ^[5]

See also

• Lists of rail accidents

References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Spignesi, Stephen J. (2004). Catastrophe!: the 100 greatest disasters of all time. Citadel Press. p. 182. 
2. ↑ REUTERS (June 9, 1981). "AROUND THE WORLD; Toll From Train Crash Reaches 215 in India". New York Times. Retrieved 6 June 2010. 
3. ↑ BBC, Iran mourns train blast victims See sidebar at bottom of page
4. ↑ CBS
5. ↑ Emergency Disaster Management, Inc., Train Wrecks in India

Railway accidents in 1981 (1981) Location and date Brandsen, Argentina (8 March) Osieck, Poland (4 June) Bihar, India (6 June) Seer Green, United Kingdom (11 December) 1980 1982

Coordinates: 25°34′20″N 86°35′25″E / 25.57222°N 86.59028°E / 25.57222; 86.59028