Twin train derailment in Madhya Pradesh leaves 30 dead, several injured, hundreds rescued

Mangalore Today News Network

Madhya Pradesh, Aug 05, 2015:  In a major tragedy, two express trains derailed within minutes in Harda district in Madhya Pradesh on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday. 30 people have died so far and several others have been injured. The injured have been taken to hospitals and the death toll is likely to rise.

   

Six coaches of the Kamayani Express running from Mumbai to Varanasi derailed at around 11:30 pm while crossing a culvert near the Machak river close to Harda, about 160 kilometres from state capital Bhopal. (Pics)
   
Minutes later, an engine and four coaches of the Janata Express, going to Mumbai from Jabalpur, derailed. Among those who have died are 10 women and five children, the Madhya Pradesh government said.
   
A railway official said water flooding the tracks entered the derailed coaches. Earlier reports had said that the coaches fell into the river.
   
Railway Chairman AK Mittal said a flash flood caved the tracks as the soil shifted. The surge of water had weakened the culvert, which collapsed, he said.
   
Even 10 minutes before the accident, Mr Mittal said, the tracks were intact and many trains had passed safely.
   
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, "Enquiry ordered,Ex gratia to be paid immediately.Flooding of tracks due to very heavy downpour.Will make detailed statement to parliament."
   
People who live near the accident site played a big role in rescue efforts in the middle of the night, with rescue teams delayed because heavy rain and flooding had damaged roads.
   
A senior official said at about 7.30 am, most of the people trapped in the derailed coaches had been rescued. The unaffected coaches of the two trains were detached and moved to Itarsi. Three special trains took doctors and rescue teams to the accident site.
   
A 35-member team of the National Disaster Response Force or NDRF has been dispatched with equipment like gas cutters from Bhopal to rescue any people who may still be trapped on the derailed coaches.

 "The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased," tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

 

Courtesy: NDTV