A total of thirteen individuals lost their lives and fifty others sustained injuries as a result of a collision between two passenger trains in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday.
According to official reports, the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger Special train collided with the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger Express from behind, resulting in the derailment of several coaches. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Kantakapalle and Alamanda train stations. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has visited the victims getting treated at Vizianagaram Hospital. Orders has been issued to officials to provide all the necessary help. He has also raised question on railway safety measures. CM Jagan requested to PM Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini that ‘a high-level audit committee to thoroughly examine all these aspects, not just on this line but on all lines across the country, to ensure such devastating accidents do not recur in the future’.
విజయనగరం జిల్లా కంటకాపల్లి రైలు ప్రమాదంలో గాయపడి, ఆసుపత్రిలో చికిత్సపొందుతున్న క్షతగాత్రులను పరామర్శించిన సీఎం వైఎస్ జగన్ pic.twitter.com/pNw9yUpAIA
— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) October 30, 2023
The devastating train accident that occurred in Vijayanagaram district last night has caused me great pain.
— YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (@ysjagan) October 30, 2023
A running train collided with another stationed train, both of which were running in the same direction.
This horrifying accident gives rise to certain obvious questions:…
Death Toll Rises
The number of deaths in the tragedy increased from nine on Sunday night to 13 on Monday morning. On October 30, it was reported by Railway officials that the restoration work was now in progress at the accident site.
As per a statement from a representative of the Railways, the restoration efforts at the accident site are being overseen by Shri Manoj Sharma, the General Manager of East Coast Railway. Additionally, the Principal Heads of Departments of ECoR and the Divisional Railway Manager Waltair are also involved in the monitoring process on the Howrah-Chennai railway line within the jurisdiction of Vizianagaram district, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Repair and Restoration Work
The official also stated that the repair work at the site involves the utilisation of eight Poclain Machines, one 140 Tonnes Crain (Rail Crain), and a workforce consisting of approximately 800 to 900 individuals. Simultaneously, efforts to clean the tracks are currently underway as the ongoing rescue operations continue.
As per the statements provided by the authorities, the accident site has incurred damage to four Overhead Equipment (OHE) masts, which are essential components of the railway electrical system. These masts have been affected across all three lines.
Andhra CM YS Jagan Visited the Accident Site
According to official sources, it has been reported that the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, visited the site of the accident as well as those individuals who have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical care in Vizianagaram. He did an extensive aerial survey on the mishap site.
#WATCH | #AndhraPradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted an aerial survey at the train accident site at Kantakapalli, #Vizianagaram district.
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) October 30, 2023
(📹 ANI ) pic.twitter.com/oLrF6lLzWF
The chief minister has additionally declared a sum of Rs.10 lakh each as ex-gratia compensation to the relatives of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each to those who have sustained injuries from the state.
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan visited the victims of the Train Accident, he did an aerial survey of the accident place and assured every form of assistance to both the victims and the railways.#AndhraPradesh #train #accident #railways #TrainAccident #Updates #UPDATE #rayagada… pic.twitter.com/hBek0BbArL
— South One (@SouthOneNews) October 30, 2023
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones. Our government will continue to ensure that the best possible care is taken of those injured in this accident.” CM wrote on X. Moreover, CM YS Jagan extended all sorts of aid and support to the victims, injured ones and the railways.
