Death Toll Reaches 13 In Andhra Train Accident, 50 Injured; Track Restoration Work Underway

The death toll in the Andhra Pradesh train collision incident has increased to 13 while around 50 people are said to be injured. East Coast Railway official said that the relief and rescue operations have been completed and track restoration work is underway in Vizianagaram district. The accident happened after a few coaches of Visakhapatnam-Ragada train derailed following being hit by the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district last evening. Relief and rescue operations are underway with the help of local administration and NDRF. The Indian Railways' accident relief trains has also reached the site.

VIDEO | Drone visuals from the accident site on Howrah-Chennai line in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, where two trains collided on Sunday claimed 13 lives.

STORY | AP train Accident: Toll rises to 13 while 50 injured

READ | https://t.co/t8UVELN7ZI pic.twitter.com/jMMIW38oy6 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 30, 2023

"The rescue operation is over now...We have arranged buses and trains for the stranded passengers. A total of 18 trains have been cancelled and 22 trains have been diverted. We are trying to clear the track by 4 pm today," said Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway.

According to the Divisional Railway Manager, the rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train led to derailment of 3 coaches.

How Did The Accident Happen?

Waltair Division Railway manager Saurabh Prasad explained the reason behind the train accident. "In the middle line, we had two passenger trains which were running...The rear train came and overshot the signal as a result of which five coaches- three of the front train and two of the rear train derailed," he said.

#UPDATE | There was a rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train. 3 coaches were involved in the accident and 10 injured. Rescue operations are underway, Local administration and NDRF were informed for assistance… https://t.co/foBoTg0FRp — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

#WATCH | Andhra Pradesh train accident | Visuals of rescue operations

6 people died and 18 injured in the Andhra Pradesh train accident: Deepika, SP, Vizianagaram pic.twitter.com/5iHHzI1UWQ — ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2023

"There was an overshoot of train 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger with 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger, where 3 coaches were involved and about 10 persons were injured," a South Coast Railway zone official said.

Andhra Pradesh Train Accident: Railway Ministry Issues Helpline Numbers 

Helpline No. at Visakhapatnam Rly Stn regarding Train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle rly section.

BSNL
08912746330
08912744619
Airtel
8106053051
8106053052
BSNL
8500041670
8500041671 — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 29, 2023

Please contact the helpline Number regarding Train Accident near Kantakapalle

Srikakulam Station

Railway phone :-

0891- 2885911
0891- 2885912
0891- 2885913
0891- 2885914

BSNL number:-

08942286245
08942286213 — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) October 29, 2023

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to discuss and assess the situation following the train derailment that occurred between the Alamanda and Kantakapalle section in Andhra Pradesh. The PM has also declared a Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia from the PMNRF for the families of those who lost their lives in the train derailment. Those injured will receive Rs 50,000 as compensation.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased due to the train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/K9c2cRsePG

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 29, 2023

Ashwini Vaishnaw also announced the ex-gratia compensation of 10 lakh in case of fatalities, Rs. 2 lakh for severe injuries, and Rs. 50,000 for minor injuries.

Reacting to the accident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy ordered nearby hospitals to be on alert. "CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Office posted on X (Formerly Twitter)."