Two trains have collided in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. At least eight people died in the accident. During this period, 25 other people are said to be injured. Divisional Railway Manager said that there was a collision between Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train on Howrah-Chennai route.
Three coaches were damaged in the accident. The rescue operation is going on. Local administration and NDRF have been informed for assistance and ambulance. Accident relief trains have reached the spot.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the rescue operation is going on, everyone has been evacuated. Teams have been deployed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation and said, “I spoke to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The situation is currently under control.”
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office said that PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the current situation regarding the ill-fated train between Alamanda and Kantakpalle section. Officials are providing all possible assistance to the affected people. The Prime Minister has expressed condolences towards the deceased.
On the other hand, Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the accident and ordered officials to provide assistance to the injured. According to Andhra Pradesh CMO, the Chief Minister ordered to take immediate relief measures and send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle, the districts nearest to Vizianagaram, and make proper arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical facilities. The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other departments including police and revenue, so that the injured get prompt medical services.
Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad has reached the spot and rescue operations are in full swing. Information has been given to the local administration and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Ambulances and accident relief trains reached the spot. Railway Ministry has issued helpline numbers.
