Two passenger trains collided near Alamanda-Kantakapalli in Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday (October 29, 2023) which left at least six people dead and 18 others injured.
The incident occurred months after a three-train collision in Odisha left over 280 people dead.
Railway officials told UNI news agency that the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train halted on the track and was waiting for a signal when the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train dashed the stationary train in the rear end.
Rescue operation is currently underway.
President mourns:
President of India Droupadi Murmu mourned the loss of lives in the incident and posted on X: "Anguished that the derailment of a passenger train in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh caused loss of lives. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
PM takes stock of the situation:
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
PMO India wrote on X: "PM @narendramodi spoke to Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section."
"Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon," PMO India further posted on X.
"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased due to the train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000," read another post mentioning the ex-gratia announced by the PM.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rescue operations are currently underway.
"Rescue operations are underway. All passengers shifted. PM @narendramodi Ji reviewed the situation. Spoke to the CM of Andhra Pradesh, state govt and railway teams are working in close coordination," he said.
He said all injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment.
Helpline numbers:
BSNL landline no 08912746330 ; 08912744619 ; Airtel mobile No's – 8106053051 ; 8106053052 BSNL Mobile No's — 8500041670 and 8500041671 ; Bhubaneswar – 0674-2301625 ; 2301525, 2303069.