Train Accident / 13 dead so far in Andhra rail accident - how did the trains collide? An accident happened due to a mistake!

Train Accident: 13 passengers have died in the train accident that took place late Sunday evening in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh and around 50 passengers are said to be injured, some of whom are in critical condition and are undergoing treatment in hospitals. The accident occurred on the Howrah-Chennai line when the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Special train hit the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger Express from behind. The collision took place between Kantakapalle and Alamanda railway stations, due to which both the trains were badly damaged. At least five coaches derailed.

CPRO of East Coast Railway Vishwajit Sahu said that the restoration work of the track is being done. The work of rescuing people was completed by 12 o'clock last night. 11 people have died, around 50 people have been injured. The restoration work of the railway track is expected to be completed by 4 pm today.

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh Train accident: Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway, says "So far, 11 people have died and 50 others are injured. We are presently focusing on the track restoration work. The rescue operation is over now...We have arranged buses and trains for the… pic.twitter.com/cKrXPMRiT5

— ANI (@ANI) October 30, 2023

Initial reports suggest that the collision was a result of human error, with the Rayagada bound train exceeding the signal. English daily Indian Express quoted senior Railway Ministry officials as saying that the driver of the train that collided from behind allegedly missed the signal and crossed the red signal. Because of this, it collided with a local train moving at a slow speed.

Derailed coaches of both trains

Due to the collision, many coaches of the train derailed. It can be seen in the pictures that emerged from the incident site that the trains have suffered major damage due to the massive collision. One compartment is said to be completely damaged. There were more than 200 passengers in the trains at the time of the accident. After the accident, nearby people came and the local administration team arrived for relief and rescue. Waltair Division Railway Manager, Saurabh Prasad, while acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, said that the rear train had overstepped the signal, leading to the collision and three coaches of the front train and two coaches of the rear train derailed. .

Rescue operation of NDRF and SDRF

NDRF and SDRF have been deployed at the spot to help in rescue operations. East Coast Railway said in a statement that accident relief trains and rescue equipment have been deployed at the spot. Helpline numbers have also been issued for the affected passengers and their families to avail immediate help and information (listed below). Railway officials have started investigation to find out the exact cause of the accident and prevent such incidents. East Coast Railway's CPRO Vishwajit Sahu said that the railway track has been partially repaired.

Announcement of help for the families of the deceased and injured passengers

The injured passengers are undergoing treatment in hospitals in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. Expressing grief over the incident, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has announced help for the victims. He announced a relief amount of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured passengers and Rs 50,000 for the minor injured.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the officials to give a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh to the injured on behalf of the state government. Prime Minister Modi has also announced to give Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50 thousand to the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.

Helpline numbers issued by Railways and Andhra Pradesh Government:

• Commercial Control (Railway): 82415
• Visakhapatnam Railway Station (VSKP): 0891-2746330, 0891-2744619, 8500041670, 8500041671, 8106053052
• Vizianagaram Railway Station (VZM): 08922-221206, 08922-221202
• Srikakulam Road Railway Station (CHE): 08942-286213, 08942-286245
• Naupada Junction Railway Station (NWP): 0891-2885937, 9949555022
• Bobbili Junction Railway Station (VBL): 8500359531, 8106052697
• Rayagada Railway Station (RGDA): 9439741071, 7326812986
• Commercial CNL/KUR (Chandawal Railway Station/Khurda Road Junction: 0674-2492245
• Helpdesk/KUR (Khurda Road Junction): 0674-2490555
• Helpdesk/BBS (Bhubaneswar): 0674-2534027
• Helpdesk/BAM (Brahmapur): 9090522120, 8917387241, 9040277587
• Helpdesk/PSA (Palasa): 8895670954 (upto 6 PM of 30/10/23)
• Eluru: 08812232267
• Samalkot: 08842327010
• Rajahmundry: 08832420541
• Tuni: 08854-252172
• Anakapalle: 08924221698
• Gudur: 9494178434