Mumbai-Bhagalpur Express splits into two:3 coaches detached after S-1 coach coupling breaks; bogies left 100 metres behind on Satna-Manikpur route

A major accident was averted late Sunday night when the Mumbai–Bhagalpur Express (Train No. 12336) split into two parts after a coupling failure between coaches on the Satna–Manikpur railway section.
The incident occurred between Majhgawan and Thikriya stations around 2:54 a.m., when three bogies detached from the main train. The train was traveling from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) to Bhagalpur at the time. Fortunately, the train was running at a cautious speed of 10 km per hour due to a “caution order” issued for that stretch, preventing a major disaster. S-1 coach coupling breaks, three coaches detach According to railway officials, the accident happened when the coupling of the S-1 coach broke, causing it, one general coach, and the guard’s van attached behind it to get separated from the rest of the train. Because the train was moving slowly, no passengers were injured, and no major damage occurred. Train stopped automatically due to pressure loss Technical experts from the railway explained that when the coupling of the S-1 coach broke, the brake pressure dropped automatically, triggering the train’s emergency braking system. As a result, the train came to a halt on its own. The three separated coaches stopped about 100 meters behind the rest of the train. See 3 pictures…
Officials rushed to the site Upon receiving information, Area Manager Naresh Singh, Station Master Abdul Mateen, along with Commercial, CW (Carriage Wagon) staff, RPF, GRP, and the technical team immediately reached the spot.
The technical team inspected the broken coupling, detached the S-1 coach, and cleared the down track to resume rail traffic. Passengers shifted, train resumed journey Passengers from the S-1 coach were safely shifted to other compartments. The two remaining general coaches were reattached to the train.
After completing all safety and technical checks, the Mumbai–Bhagalpur Express resumed its journey at 7 a.m. toward Bhagalpur. Railway orders investigation The Indian Railways has ordered an inquiry to determine the exact cause of the coupling failure. Officials are investigating whether the incident was due to mechanical fatigue, improper maintenance, or operational stress on the coupler joint. Sources said such mechanical failures are rare but serious, as they can lead to derailment or collision if trains are running at higher speeds. The timely intervention of railway staff and the low speed of the train prevented a potentially serious accident. Authorities are now focusing on identifying whether material fatigue, human error, or delayed maintenance led to the detachment. A senior official from the Jabalpur railway division said, The incident is being taken very seriously. A high-level technical investigation has been ordered to find the root cause and ensure it doesn’t recur. ​