Hirakhand Express Accident: Twenty- three Dead as train derail in Andhra Pradesh.
At least 23 people were killed and over 100 injured after Hirakhand Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, officials said today.
The incident took place around 11 pm yesterday when the train was on its way to Bhubaneswar from Jagdalpur.
"Seven coaches and the engine of the 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed near Kuneru station. Besides the engine, the luggage van, two general coaches, two sleeper coaches, one AC three tier coach and an AC two tier coach derailed," Chief PRO of East Coast Railway J P Mishra told PTI.
23 passengers were killed, said Mr Mishra.
Rayagada Sub-collector Muralidhar Swain said that the number of injured could be around 100. The casualty figure may go up as many people are trapped, he added.
An official of East Cost Railway said one mobile train reached the accident site. The injured were shifted to hospitals at Parbatipuram and Rayagada
A team of doctors has reached the accident site. District administration of both Vijayanagaram and Rayagada are taking active part in rescue operations, said Mr Mishra.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu was personally monitoring the situation. He directed senior officials to reach to the site immediately, ensure prompt rescue and relief operations.
The train had 22 coaches.
Railways have set up helplines at various stations in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha to provide information about the accident.
Following are the helpline numbers:Rayagada: BSNL Land Line Number: 06856-223400, 06856-223500 BSNL Mobiles 09439741181, 09439741071, AIRTEL 07681878777
Vizianagaram , Railways Number: 83331, 83332, 83333, 83334 BSNL Land Line Number: 08922-221202, 08922-221206
Mobile Numbers. 08500358610, 08500358712
Visakhapatnam Railways Number: 83003, 83005, 83006, BSNL Land Line Number: 0891-2746344, 0891-2746330
Khurda control: 0674 2490670.
Bhubaneswar station: 06742543360
Behrampur station: 06802229632
Services were affected on Rayagada and Vijayanagaram route, with several trains diverted.