Anekal (Karnataka): At least eight passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, when nine coaches of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed near Bengaluru on Friday after a boulder fell on the track. The train had left Bengaluru at 06:15 am and derailed at 07:35 am between Anekal Road and Hosur on Bangalore City-Salem Section, about 45 km from Bengaluru, Railways said.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said a boulder fell on the track and the train hit it.
“I am personally monitoring it and in touch with State and local administration,” he tweeted.
Prabhu said he has directed all senior officers to rush to the spot with help. Law Minister Sadanand Gowda has reached the accident site, near the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The Railway Board Chairman had been directed to evacuate all stranded passengers, besides which medical help had been rushed, he said.
“Five deaths (confirmed) so far,” Bangalore Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kumar Agarwal, who rushed to the accident site, said.
“At least five to six persons have died. Exact number of casualties would be known after some time as rescue and relief operations are still underway,” Karnataka Home Minister K J George told reporters here.
Prabhu said an inquiry had been ordered to fix responsibility and for corrective action to prevent such unfortunate accidents. He said he was monitoring “action” regularly.
“All rescue teams are here, including police, medical and Railways. All measures have been taken to rescue the trapped persons,” George said.
