36 killed as train derails in Andhra Pradesh

Kuneru (AP), January 22 

Nine coaches of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express derailed in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram late on Saturday, killing at least 36 people and wounding over 60.

Additional Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Arora said railway officials have identified 18 victims so far.

With several passengers still trapped under the train debris, the toll is likely to climb.

Engine and nine coaches of the train off the track near Kuneru station at 11 pm, Chief PRO of East Coast Railway JP Mishra said.

Railways sources said investigations indicate a possible sabotage.

"There is a strong indication of tampering with the track as the area is known to be a Naxal-prone zone and as Republic Day is approaching. Foul play cannot be ruled out," sources said.

"A goods train had safely passed the same track. The patrolman had also checked the track. However, the driver of the train heard a big cracker-like sound just before the derailment and there appeared to be a big crack on the track, which caused the derailment.”

However, Odisha police have ruled out the role of Maoists in the incident.

"There is no indication of Maoist hand behind the derailment of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express," Odisha DGP KB Singh told reporters after a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said Railway Ministry was “monitoring the incident very closely”.

"My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones due to derailment of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express. The tragedy is saddening.I pray for a speedy recovery of all those injured due to the train accident," he said in a tweet.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said he had asked his government to supervise rescue operations.

"We are investigating the cause of the mishap," the Chief Minister said. "I have directed administration to undertake relief and rescue operations. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has expressed his condolences. He has also announced an ex-gratia amount of Rs 2 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured," he said.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has sent a team led by Chief Secretary AP Padhi to meet the victims.

"I spoke to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to extend all support," Patnaik said, expressing his grief over the death of passengers in the accident.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident  —  PTI/ IANS

#WATCH Visuals from the Hirakhand express derailment site in Kuneru (Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh), 23 dead and 36 people injured. pic.twitter.com/7MQrTREsCy

— ANI (@ANI_news) January 22, 2017