As rescue efforts in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh continue, the number of fatalities from the train collision has increased to 13, according to police. “So far, 13 people have died, out of whom 7 have already been identified and the process to identify bodies is underway,” stated M Deepika, the superintendant of police for Vizianagaram. Prioritizing work on track restoration was stated by Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway.
“The rescue operation is over now. We have arranged buses and trains for the stranded passengers. A total of 18 trains have been cancelled and 22 trains have been diverted. We are trying to clear the track by 4 pm today,” Biswajit Sahu said.
Biswajit Sahu further said that victims with minor injuries have been admitted to the nearby Alamanda hospital.
“Passengers with minor injuries are getting first aid treatment in Alamanda Hospital, and those with serious injuries have been shifted to Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam hospital. We arranged train and buses for the stranded passengers. Many trains have been cancelled and diverted. We are informing the passengers through SMS, and we have set up a help desk.”
In the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, a few coaches derailed after the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train collided with another Visakhapatnam-Ragada train that was traveling along the same route on Sunday night, according to officials. According to the Divisional Railway Manager, the mishap involved three coaches. The passenger train traveling from Visakhapatnam to Palasa and the passenger train traveling from Visakhapatnam to Ragada collided at the rear. The accident involved three coaches. Rescue efforts have begun, and the NDRF and local government have been notified to provide support and ambulances.