ProMASS: Jan 22, 2017: In another train tragedy, at least 27 people were killed and more than 50 injured when Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed near Kuneru station in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday night. As per latest news available, death toll has increased to 35.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has 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. I pray for a speedy recovery of all those injured due to the train accident”.
The Railway Ministry is monitoring the situation very closely and is working to ensure quick rescue and relief operations”, the Prime Minister said.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring situation. He has directed senior officials to reach site and ensure prompt rescue and relief operations.
According to Chief PRO of East Cost Railway JP Mishra, the incident took place around 11 PM when the train was going to Bhubaneswar. He said, four accident relief vans have been sent to the accident site and added the reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained.
The train was running at a high speed while crossing Kuneru station where it had no stoppage, henceforth the number of casualties are feared to go up. The injured have been shifted to hospitals at Parbatipuram and Rayagada.
A team of doctors has reached the accident site.
Helpline telephone numbers as issued by the Railway are:
These are Rayagada 06856-223400, 06856-223500, 09439741181, 09439741071 and 07681878777. Help line nos at Vizianagaram are 08922-221202 and 08922-221206.
