Chennai, Oct 29 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday night condoled the deaths of passengers in a train accident near Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh.
In a tweet, Mr Modi said “PM@narendramodi spoke to Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the unfortunate train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section.”
“Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected”, he said.
The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon.
Officials while confirming about casualties, are tight lipped about the numbers on casualties and said the picture will become clear after in due course as the relief and rescue operations are continuing in full swing.
Meanwhile a top Southern Railway official told UNI that “there was an overshoot of train 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasa Passenger with 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada Passenger, where 3 coaches were involved”.
Sources said three coaches including the engine derailed following the collision.
Official source said six people were killed in the mishap and several injured and more than 40 ambulances were pressed into service to transport the injured to the hospital.
Sources told UNI that failure of the inter-locking signal system has led to the mishap.
Railway authorities have opened several helplines for the benefit of the passengers and their family members.
As it happened late in the evening and night descended. special lighting facilities were being made at the spot for rescue and relief operations and NDRF teams were also deployed in the operations.
