Visakhapatnam: A horrific train accident occurred in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening when two passenger trains collided with each other near Kantakappalli in Kothavalasa ‘Mandal’ (block). The accident resulted in the death of four people and the injury of 20 others, some of whom are in critical condition.
The trains involved in the collision were the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train. According to railway officials, there was a rear collision between the two trains, and three coaches were derailed due to the impact. The cause of the collision is yet to be ascertained, and the East Coast Railway zone has ordered an inquiry.
The local administration and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) rushed to the spot to carry out rescue and relief operations. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The railway authorities have also issued helpline numbers at Visakhapatnam railway station for the convenience of the relatives of the passengers. The helpline numbers are as follows:
- Railway numbers: 83003, 83004, 83005, 83006
- BSNL numbers: 08912746330, 08912744619
- Airtel SIM numbers: 8106053051, 8106053052
- BSNL SIM numbers: 8500041670, 8500041671
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep shock over the incident and instructed the officials to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured get prompt medical services. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured.
The train accident has raised concerns over the safety and maintenance of the railway tracks and signals in the region. The passengers have demanded a thorough investigation into the incident and strict action against those responsible for the negligence.
