A tragic train accident occurred on the Howrah-Chennai line in Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to 50 others. The accident happened when a special passenger train travelling from Visakhapatnam to Palasa stopped on the tracks between Alamanda and Kantakapalle near Kothsavatsala due to a signal issue.
The Visakhapatnam-Raigad passenger train collided with it from behind, causing three coaches to derail. Railways sources attributed the incident to human error, as the signalling issue went unnoticed by the loco pilot.
After the collision between two passenger trains in Andhra Pradesh, the East Coast Railway has taken various measures. Biswajit Sahu, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the East Coast Railway, confirmed that a total of 33 trains have been cancelled, 24 trains have been diverted, and 11 trains have been partially cancelled in response to the accident. These actions have been taken to manage the situation and avoid further disruptions in rail services.
“There was a rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train. Three coaches were involved in the accident. Rescue operations are underway, Local administration and NDRF were informed for assistance and ambulances. Accident relief trains reached the site,” the Divisional Railway Manager said as per a report in NDTV.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹ 2 lakh assistance for the families of those who died in the accident and ₹ 50,000 for the injured.
Relief and rescue operations are actively ongoing at the accident site. Senior railway officials are working to restore the railway track, as its repair is essential for the resumption of train services on the route. Train movement on this route has been suspended since the tragic accident occurred.
The injured individuals have been transported to hospitals in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram for medical attention. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan is expected to visit the accident site today to assess the situation and provide necessary support.
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