29 killed in MP twin train derailment

The twin derailment that occurred at around the same time at about 1130 pm last night involved the Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express from Mumbai, which capsized first, and the Mumbai-bound Janta Express originating from Patna that was coming from the opposite direction. 

Officials said that 25 people were injured and over 250 passengers have been rescued.

 There were conflicting versions on the exact number of casualties in the accident that occurred between Khirkiya and <g data-gr-id="34">Bhirangi</g> stations on Khandwa-Itarsi sections, 160 km from Bhopal after the 500-metre rail tracks over a small bridge sank in sudden surge of water caused by heavy rains in the area.

“29 bodies, including those of 13 men, 11 women and five children, have been recovered so far from the mishap site, about 160 km from Bhopal,” MP Government spokesman Anupam Rajan said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, however, told Parliament that as per available information,  12 passengers were killed.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Bhopal Alok Kumar said 11 passengers of Janta Express and one from Kamayani Express were found dead. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said 25 passengers were killed in the mishap and 50 others injured. Twelve bodies were found inside the derailed train bogies, he told reporters at the mishap site.

Prabhu said a flash flood caused the swollen Machak river to overflow and wash out a section of the rail tracks, leading to the derailment of the two trains.

“The prima facie cause of the incident is stated to be ‘flash flood due to heavy rains’,” Prabhu told the Rajya Sabha amid the din by slogan-shouting Opposition members.

Passengers said they were awoken by the falling <g data-gr-id="32">bogies</g> which quickly filled with muddy water. “We felt the jerk instantly. When we opened the door and checked, there was water everywhere. In no time, the train tilted. And we all got trapped and were stuck for three hours,” a survivor said.

“The water level on the track was almost waist-high,” said another survivor.