Andhra Pradesh Train Accident highlights: 9 people dead, over 40 injured, says official

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee slammed Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw over the Andhra train mishap, asking, “When will the railways come out of the slumber?”

"Another disastrous rail collision, this time in Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, involving two passenger trains, and causing until now at least 8 deaths and injury of at least 25 more," she posted on X in a series of tweets.

According to the latest updates, 40 people have been injured - out of which 32 have been shifted to Vizianagaram government hospital, 1 in Vishaka NRI hospital, 2 in Medicover hospital, while 4 are in critical condition. All the injured are from Andhra Pradesh, said officials.

East Coast Railway CPRO Biswajit Sahu informed that 12 trains have been cancelled in view of the deadly accident in Andhra Pradesh, while 15 other trains are diverted. “We have made bus arrangements for passengers so that they are not trapped in the area...We have partially recovered (the tracks),” he told ANI.

Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the train mishap at Kantakapalli in Vizianagaram and took stock of the situation, State education minister Botsa Satyanarayana said. “He instructed the officials to carry out relief operations. On receiving information of the derailment of four bogies of the Rayagada bound passenger train near Vizianagaram, the Chief Minister instructed medical and health, revenue, police, and other department officials to coordinate and carry out relief operations immediately. He also asked them to report the developments from time to time,” the minister said.

Waltair Division Railway manager Saurabh Prasad said that six people have died in the accident and over 30 have been injured. “In the middle line, we had two passenger trains which were running...The rear train came and overshot the signal as a result of which we had around five coaches - three of the front train and two of the rear train - which have derailed,” he told ANI.

“There are people who are trapped in these coaches...Our first priority is to take care of passengers who are trapped inside. SDRF, NDF. Right now 6-8 casualties are there...More than 30 people are injured...The rescue efforts are on,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday night announced an ex-gratia of ₹two 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, PMO said.

Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh to the family of those dead in the accident, ₹two lakh to those who are grievous, and ₹50,000 to those who have been injured.

He also announced that all the injured persons have been shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the train accident near Kantakapalli in Vizianagaram district. “Deeply distressed by the train collision in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, coming just months after the tragic Balasore #TrainAccident in June 2023. My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and I wish a speedy recovery for the injured,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“With a significant number of Indians relying on railways for their commute, it's alarming to witness such incidents in quick succession. It's imperative for the union government and the railways to urgently reevaluate and enhance train safety measures, ensuring the trust and safety of passengers is upheld,” Stalin added.

Andhra Pradesh Governor S Abdul Nazeer expressed anguish over the train accident near Kantakapalli in Vizianagaram district in which six passengers lost their lives and several others were injured. Earlier, he was briefed about the necessary relief arrangements which have been made.

"We are currently focusing on the rescue operation. The DRMs from Visakhapatnam and Sambalpur have reached the spot. We are trying to shift the injured to nearby hospitals," said Biswajit Sahoo, CPRO, East Coast Railway while speaking to PTI

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the situation is under control after a passenger train collided with another passenger train near Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh.

The union minister, while speaking to ANI, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation.

"Rescue operations are underway, all have been rescued, and teams have been mobilised. PM Modi has reviewed the situation. I spoke to the Andhra Pradesh CM. The situation is currently under control," Vaishnaw said.

"PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw 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," a post from the Prime Minister's Office read.

Andhra Train Accident Live Updates: At least 6 people were dead and 18 injured after a passenger train traveling from Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to Rayagada in Odisha derailed in Vizianagaram district on Sunday.