Andhra Pradesh rail tragedy: 14 dead, over 50 injured

Published by: Vivek Dubey

A deadly train collision in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district claimed 14 lives and left over 50 injured. The accident occurred on the Howrah-Chennai line.

CM’s Visit

Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy visited the site less than a day after the accident.

Track Restoration

Track restoration has begun and is expected to be cleared by 4 p.m. on Monday, October 30.

Train Cancellations

A total of 33 trains have been cancelled, 22 trains diverted and 11 trains partially cancelled since the collision.

Rescue Operation

The rescue operation has ended and officials are now focused on track restoration work.

NDRF Involvement

NDRF and Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Response Force teams are working alongside Railway teams to clear the track.

Investigation

Fire department officers and the state government are collaborating to investigate the cause of the accident.

Derailment

The collision led to the derailment of three coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train.

Accident Details

The Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train hit the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train from behind at Kantakapalli.

Damage

Four OHE masts, railway electrical infrastructure, have been damaged at the accident site.

Death Toll

The death toll in the Andhra Pradesh train accident has reached 14 with another 50 people sustaining injuries.

(With inputs from agency)

Victims Identified

Out of the 14 dead, seven people have been identified and the process to identify others is underway.

Political Response

PM Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on the rail tragedy, who also spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Ex Gratia Announced

Vaishnaw announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin for the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with simple injuries.