Naveen, Kejriwal express condolences over Andhra train collision

NEW DELHI: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed condolences to the next of kin of the deceased who lost their lives in Andhra train collision in Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening.

"This train accident that happened in Andhra Pradesh is very sad. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray to God that those who have been injured should recover soon and return to their homes," Arvind Kejriwal posted on X.

"The frequent occurrence of such train accidents in the country is extremely worrying," Kejriwal added.

आंध्र प्रदेश में हुई ये ट्रेन दुर्घटना बेहद दुखद है। इस हादसे में जिन परिवारों ने अपनों को खो दिया उनके साथ मेरी संवेदनाएँ। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि जो लोग घायल हुए हैं वो जल्द स्वस्थ होकर अपने घर लौटें।

देश में बार-बार इस तरह की ट्रेन दुर्घटनाओं का होना बेहद चिंताजनक है। https://t.co/DoGlttWFIg

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) October 29, 2023

Naveen Patnaik wrote on X, "Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of lives in the train accident in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in the train accident and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of lives in the train accident in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families who lost their dear ones in the train accident and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) October 29, 2023

The death toll in the Andhra train collision reached to 9 as rescue operations continue in Vizianagaram district, an East Coast Railway official said.

"Rescue operations continue in Vizianagaram district. As per the data, 9 casualties are there and 29 people have been injured..." says Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway told reporters. A few coaches derailed after the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train hit a Visakhapatnam-Ragada train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening, officials said.

The Divisional Railway Manager said that 3 coaches were involved in the accident. "There was a rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train. 3 coaches were involved in the accident. Rescue operations are underway, Local administration and NDRF were informed for assistance and ambulances. Accident relief trains reached the site," the Divisional Railway Manager said.

Meanwhile, Waltair Division Railway manager Saurabh Prasad while giving an update on the train accident said, "In the middle line we had two passenger trains which were running...The rear train came and overshot the signal as a result of which we had around five coaches, three of the front train and two of the rear train which have derailed...There are people who are trapped in these coaches...Our first priority is to take care of passengers who are trapped inside.

SDRF, NDF and our teams, all three are working right now.....More than 30 people were injured...The rescue efforts are on..." Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli. "CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care," Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Office posted on X (Formerly Twitter)."

The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other government departments including health, police and revenue to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured receive prompt medical services," the CMO stated. Further details are awaited.