Kamayani Express, Janata Express Derail in Madhya Pradesh
Updated: August 05, 2015 03:36 IST
24 people have died after ten bogies of two packed trains derailed near Harda in Madhya Pradesh within minutes of each other late on Tuesday night. Over 300 people have been rescued so far; nearly 40 are injured.
Over 20 people have been killed after ten bogies of two packed trains derailed near Harda in Madhya Pradesh.
Mumbai-Varanasi Kamayani Express derailed around 11:30 pm while crossing a culvert near the Kudawa railway station, around 25 kilometres from Harda.
Minutes later, four coaches and the engine of the Jabalpur-Mumbai Janata Express, which was travelling in the opposite direction, derailed.
The track caved in due to heavy rain and waterlogging in the area, leading to the derailment, said Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena.
"The entire area has been reeling under heavy rainfall for the last few days. The roads are badly damaged, even the access road," Mr Saxena said.
A team of rescue workers and the locals have rushed to the spot and over 300 have already been rescued.
All private and government hospitals in Harda have been alerted and made ready to accommodate the victims.
Three special trains carrying doctors and rescue personnel were dispatched to the spot, medical supplies being piled on a nearby station platform.
Rail traffic in the area has been hit, with at least 25 trains from Mumbai being diverted.
Sources said some of the trains may be diverted via Rajasthan-Kota route.
