At least eight persons died and over 20 others were injured as two trains collided in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening.
According to reports, the Visakhapatnam-Palasa special passenger train was waiting for a signal due to a technical snag between Alamanda and Kantakapalli stations on the Howrah-Chennai line when it was hit by the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada train coming from behind.
Two Coaches of the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger train from the rear and the loco of 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger got derailed in the mishap.
Waltiar Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad and other railway officials have reached the spot, and rescue operations are in full swing.
Local administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were informed, seeking assistance and ambulances, and accident relief trains have reached the site, reported PTI, quoting a railway official.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy has expressed shock over the incident and ordered to take immediate relief measures.
"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," the chief minister’s office said in a post on X.
"The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other government departments including health, police and revenue to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured receive prompt medical services," the CMO further said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident and spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation.
"PM Narendra Modi spoke to Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted.
Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected, it said.