Bhubaneswar, Oct 30: The accident between two passenger trains on the Howrah-Chennai line on Sunday evening in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh took place after a passenger train overshot the signal and hit another from behind on the Howrah-Chennai line.
The last three coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Palasa train and the locomotive of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train along with two coaches got derailed, DRM Saurabh Prasad said. One coach derailed and rested on a goods train wagon on one side. Rescue operation is now continuing with war footing at the spot.
According to the Vizianagaram district collector, 11 deceased have been identified so far while both the loco pilot and assistant loco pilot of the Visakhapatnam- Rayagada passenger train, are among the deceased.
At least 40 people are undergoing treatment at the Vizianagaram Government Hospital. The condition of four people is said to be very serious.
Railways Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw said that coaches other than the derailed ones have been cleared from the site. The railway minister has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh for the families of those killed. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2.5 lakh has been announced to those seriously hurt in the incident and Rs. 50,000 has been kept aside for those who sustained minor injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and condoled the loss of lives. He announced another ₹ 2 lakh assistance for the family of those who died in the accident and ₹ 50,000 for the injured. The railway minister also spoke to Chief Minister Reddy, who expressed deep shock over the accident and ordered all arrangements to be made to ensure treatment of the injured.
Chief Minister YSR Jagan Mohan Reddy has also announced financial assistance of ₹ 10 lakh for the family of those who died. Those who suffered serious injuries will get ₹ 2.5 lakh and passengers with minor injuries will get ₹ 50,000.
The war room in Delhi railway ministry is monitoring the situation, said the Railway sources. The East Coast Railway has released helpline numbers (Bhubaneswar - 0674-2301625, 2301525, 2303069, and Waltair - 0891-2885914.)
