Harda: Devastation struck in Madhya Pradesh after two trains derailed while crossing a small bridge here on Tuesday. Twenty-four people are said to have lost their lives in this catastrophic incident.
Kamayani Express, headed for Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi from Mumbai, was derailed near Harda town, 160km south of state capital Bhopal, just before midnight. Moments before that, the Janata Express (13201) en route to Mumbai from Patna had also derailed at the same spot.
The mishap took place at Kudwa, about 18km from the district headquarters Harda, which is between Bhirangi and Khirakia railway stations.
Harda district public relations officer Vitthal Maheshwari said that over 25 people were killed in the mishap.
An inquiry has been ordered into the mishap and the commissioner for railway safety (central zone) will be conducting the probe.
Out of the deceased, ten were women, five children and nine men. According to police sources, the death toll was around 27. More casualties are feared.
Railways also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to grievously injured in the accident.
As rescuers grappled with darkness and inclement weather, survivors recounted the midnight horror.
Manoj Mongi, a resident of Muzaffarnagar on board the Kamayani Express, said: “I was sleeping and suddenly I felt a jolt…I came out. I saw three women floating, but could not save them.”
Tax consultant Shashi Bhushan Pandit, another passenger, said: “The water level on the track was almost waist-high. The current was swift…I cannot say how many people are trapped.”
Although the exact reason behind the derailments is not yet known, railway officials said heavy rains in the past few days might have damaged railway tracks.
“There was water on tracks and the bridge was submerged. So, the last bogies of Kamayani Express got derailed. Simultaneously, on the other track, the engines and coaches of the Janata Express also got derailed,” railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said.
Some bogies of the Kamayani Express fell into the Kalimachak river, TV channels reported, though Madhya Pradesh chief secretary Anthony de Sa did not confirm the reports.
“However, we are not taking chances and have alerted army units in Bhopal and Mhow. We have requested the defense ministry for help from army too. Teams of National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force have left for the spot,” he told the media soon after the accident.
As the news of the accident broke, railways minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted: “Rushing emergency medical & other relief personnel to spot. Darkness, water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best.”
“Local villagers, Admn are also taking part in the rescue operation. Everything that’s necessary and possible being done. Constant in touch with CM MP & Rail off.”
Meanwhile, traffic on both up and down lines has come to a halt.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh chief minister tweeted about the accident, offering condolences to the families of the victims along with providing regular updates on rescue operations.
Helpline numbers (With agency inputs)
Harda: 9752460088
Itarasi: 07572- 241920
Bhopal: 0755-4001609
Bina: 07572-241920
