Andhra train mishap: Odisha CM asks officials to assist in rescue ops; Railways issues helpline numbers

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen patnaik has expressed grief over the death of some passengers in the train accident in between Kantakapalle and Alamanda stations in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh today.

Patnaik also conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved families. He also wished speedy recovery of the injured passengers, said a statement issued by the Chief Ministers’ Office.

The Chief Minister has directed the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha and Collectors of Rayagada and Koraput to extend immediate help for the rescue and relief operations, the statement added.

The Railways has also issued Helpline numbers soon after the mishap.

At least 10 passengers are feared dead and many others injured in a mishap involving two trains, including Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger, near Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh today.

Several coaches of Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger and Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger derailed due to the mishap near Alamanda station in Vizianagaram in the evening, sources said.

The Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger train collided with the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger in between Alamanda and Kantakapalle stations in Vizianagaram-Kottavalasa Railway Section of Waltair Division of ECoR in Howrah-Chennai Main Line, said the Railways.

Two coaches of Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger from the rear and the locomotive of Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger derailed due to the collision, it added.

“Overshooting of signal by Visakhapatnam- Rayagada passenger train could be the reason behind the mishap,” the Railways said.