32 people were killed and more than 100 were believed to be injured after Hirakhand Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh yesterday at around 11 PM when the train was heading to Bhubaneswar from Jagdalpur. At 3.25 AM on Sunday, 12 unaffected coaches of the train carrying the unharmed passengers left for Bhubaneswar by Sambalpur-Angul road.
The derailment occurred near Kuneru station, and according to Chief PRO of East Coast Riaway JP.Mishra,the engine and nine coaches of Train No 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar express went off the track. The derailed coaches include one Second AC, one Third AC, two sleeper coaches, were derailed.Reports also said that the engine and luggage van of train also got derailed.
District administration of both Vizianagaram and Rayagada are taking active part in rescue operation and Rayagada Sub-collector Muralidhar Swain said that the number of injured could be around 100.
Services were affected on Rayagada and Vijayanagaram route, with at least 3 trains cancelled and 8 others diverted. 13 unaffected coaches including luggage-cum-guard van left for Rayagada and they will proceed to Bhubaneswar via Sambhalpur-Angul route. If necessary, extra coaches will be added at Rayagada.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced 2 lakh compensation for the kin of the deceased, 25,000 rupees for the injured and 50,000 rupees for the seriously injured.Union Governmen ordered probe as death toll is increasing. PM Modi after condoling the death of passengers warned the erring officials to make amends or face action.
Following are the helpline Numbers.
Rayagada-6856-223400, 06856-223400, 06856-223500, 09439741181 and 9439741071.
Visakhapatnam- 0891-2746344, 08991-2746344 and 0891-2746300.
Khurda- 0674-2490670
