Train accident in Andhra Pradesh is extremely distressing: Union Home Minister
He reviewed the situation of the train accident in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh as eight coaches of Hirakund Express derailed on Saturday night leaving at least 32 people killed.
He expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased.
The Union Home Minister said that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have already reached the spot to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Singh said that due care and diligence is being taken into consideration by NDRF teams as the victims might be trapped under the mangled bogies.
The rescue operation is still in progress.
The Director General, NDRF is monitoring the situation round the clock and a 24x7 NDRF Control Room is in touch with Railway Authorities and local civil administration to render any kinds of assistance, he added.
Around 54 others were also injured after the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed close to the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.
According to reports, the derailment took place close to the Kuneru station when it was on its way towards Odisha's Bhubaneswar city from Jagdalpur.
Two sleeper coaches- S7 and S8- have been badly affected due to the deadly mishap.
Railway's relief teams rushed to the spot and rescue operation commenced after ther incident occurred.
"Total 4 accident relief vans rushed from different places, rescue and relief operations underway. Priority is treatment,shifting of injured passengers to nearest hospital," the East Coast Railways tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday condoled the loss of lives due to the derailment of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express train.
“My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones due to the derailment of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express. The tragedy is saddening," PM Modi said.
"I pray for a speedy recovery of all those injured due to the train accident," he said.
He said the Railway Ministry is monitoring situation.
"The Railway Ministry is monitoring the situation very closely and is working to ensure quick rescue and relief operations," the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has announced compensation of Rs. two lakh each for the kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for injured, media reports said.
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