Active Stocks
Tue Mar 19 2024 09:51:06
  1. Tata Consultancy Services share price
  2. 4,045.00 -2.41%
  1. Tata Steel share price
  2. 151.40 1.20%
  1. NTPC share price
  2. 314.00 -0.99%
  1. HDFC Bank share price
  2. 1,444.35 -0.13%
  1. ITC share price
  2. 417.90 0.12%
Business News/ Politics / Policy/  At least 24 killed, 300 rescued after two trains derail in Madhya Pradesh
BackBack

At least 24 killed, 300 rescued after two trains derail in Madhya Pradesh

Kamayani Express and Janata Express were derailed around 11.30pm on Tuesday as base material of the tracks got washed away in heavy rains

Six coaches from the Kamayani Express and the engine and four coaches from the Janata Express derailed. Photo: Reuters Premium
Six coaches from the Kamayani Express and the engine and four coaches from the Janata Express derailed. Photo: Reuters

New Delhi: Two passenger trains derailed minutes apart on flooded tracks on a bridge in Madhya Pradesh, killing at least 24 people while more than 300 have been rescued, officials said on Wednesday.

The Kamayani Express was on its way to Mumbai when it derailed late Tuesday night near Harda in Madhya Pradesh, while the Janata Express was traveling in the opposite direction when it derailed soon after.

The trains were crossing a small bridge near the rain-swollen Machak River. Another train had passed the same culvert 10 minutes before the first derailment without any problem, but then a flash flood caused part of the track to sink into the rain-soaked ground, said A.K. Mittal, a senior railway officer.

Six coaches from the Kamayani Express and the engine and four coaches from the Janata Express derailed. The accident occurred just before midnight, and although rescue workers soon reached the site, they were slowed by darkness.

At least two coaches were partially submerged in the mud, said railway official Anil Saxena. While most people had been pulled to safety, rescue workers were still searching for passengers likely trapped.

“We are getting reports that there were flash floods and the tracks caved in. Most of the coaches had passed but the last few carriages were derailed," Saxena said.

At least 24 bodies have been recovered so far and one person was seriously injured, said Bijendra Kumar, a railway official in Bhopal.

Junior home minister Kiren Rijiju said more than 300 people have been rescued. By Wednesday morning, the unaffected coaches had been moved from the tracks and rescue operations were nearing a close, according to Kumar. He said that railway workers would soon start repairing the tracks so traffic can resume. Dozens of trains have been blocked from moving due to the accident, while others have been diverted to other routes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives."

Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!

Catch all the Politics News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
More Less
Published: 05 Aug 2015, 08:08 AM IST
Next Story footLogo
Recommended For You
Switch to the Mint app for fast and personalized news - Get App