Headlines
Kamayani, Janata Express derail at same spot in MP
Bhopal, Aug 5
Twin back-to-back train
derailment took place at the same spot in Madhya Pradesh around midnight
on Tuesday, with several bogies and engines of Varanasi-bound Kamayani
Express and Mumbai-bound Janata Express falling into a swollen river.
Casualties are not yet known, authorities said.
Kamayani Express,
which runs between Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus station to Varanasi
Junction in Uttar Pradesh, was derailed around midnight near Khiriya
village in Harda district, about 160 km from here, Superintendent of
Police Prem Babu Sharma told IANS.
He added that "two-four bogies
of the train have fallen into the Machak river and due to rain and
darkness it may take hours to confirm the casualties".
I.B.
Siddiqui, a spokesperson for the West Central Railway, said that Janata
Express also derailed within minutes of the first accident while
crossing the same bridge over the Machak river. The train was on its way
to Mumbai from Jabalpur.
"The engine and at least one of the
bogies of Janata Express have fallen into the river," Siddiqui said,
adding that rescue efforts have been launched and many senior officials
of the railway and administration have reached the spot.
"Rushing
emergency medical & other relief personnel to spot. darkness,water
creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best,"
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted after the accident.
He added that efforts are being made "to pull back [the] trains".
"Local
villagers,Admn r also in rescue operation. Everything that's necessary
and possible being done.Constant in touch with CM MP&Rail off," the
minister said in another tweet.