Bhopal: At least 24 people were killed and 25 others injured after the seven coaches of Kamayani Express and five bogies of Janata Express derailed while crossing a swollen Machak river near Harda late last night.
According to West Central Railway PRO Piyush Mathur seven coaches of Kamayani Express and three coaches plus the engine of Janata Express were derailed late last night as the base material on the tracks got washed away.
“Seven bogies of Kamayani Express and engine plus three coaches of Janata Express were derailed between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations near Harda,” Mathur said.
“The mishap took place around 11.30 PM on Tuesday as base material of the tracks got washed away in heavy rains.
Meanwhile, rescue operations continued even as several passengers were feared trapped in water after coaches of both the train plunged into the river.
Inquiry has been ordered into the twin train mishap in Harda, said Railways, adding Commissioner Railway Safety (central zone) will conduct the probe.
Railways has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of the kin of the deceased. Rs 50,000 to grievously injured and 25,000 for minor injuries.
Divisional Commercial Railway Manager (DCRM) Brajendra Kumar said that many passengers were rescued from the stranded trains.
A passenger of Kamayni Express, Akhilesh Pratap Singh said that he along with over 150 passengers, travelling in the general class coach, were stranded on a hilltop to save themselves.
The accident relief train has reached the spot and several passengers have been brought to a nearby station.
Kamayani Express enroute to Varanasi from Mumbai derailed near Harda, about 160 kms from Bhopal, and the Mumbai-Jabalpur Janata Express derailed around 11.30 late last night.
