At least 14 persons were killed and around 30 injured when Bangalore-bound Hampi Express collided with a stationary goods train at Penneconda station of Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district at 3.15 am on Tuesday.
Those injured in the accident have been admitted to nearby hospitals in Penneconda.
Three bogies, one SLR and two ordinary second class coaches, were derailed due to the collision.
One of the coaches also caught fire.
The fire has been brought under control and rescue and relief operations are underway to help the passengers trapped inside the mangled bogies of the train.
Gas cutters are being used to cut the mangled coaches.
The reason of the accident is yet to be ascertained but prima facie it seems that the driver of Hampi Express overshot the signal,” a railway spokesperson said, adding, “Senior railway officials have rushed to the spot.”
Union Railway Minister Mukul Roy, who is in Kolkata, is rushing to the spot. Railway Board Member (Traffic) and Member (Mechanic) are also going to the accident site, Railway spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of those who died in the accident, Rs 1 lakh for those with grievous injuries and Rs 50, 000 for those who have sustained minor injuries.
The Railway authorities have also issued helpline numbers for more information about the passengers and rescue operations being carried on the accident site. Helpline numbers are- 080-22331166 (Bangalore), 221788, 083-2289826 (Hubli).