8 Killed, 32 Injured in Train Collision in Andhra Pradesh

At least eight people were killed and 32 injured after two trains collided on the Howrah-Chennai line in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday evening, police said. The accident took place between Alamanda and Kantakapalli in the Vizianagaram-Kottavalasa railway section of the Waltair division of the East Coast Railway zone at about 7 pm.

Rescue Operations Underway

Rescue operations are underway with the Divisional Railway Manager DRM, Waltair and his team on the spot. Accident relief trains and other rescue equipment have been engaged. The injured have been shifted to hospitals in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram.

Ex-Gratia Payments Announced

The government has announced ex-gratia payments for the victims. Rs 10 lakh will be given to the kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh towards grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the kin of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh each to the injured from the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Condoles Loss of Lives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He is in touch with the railway minister and all assistance is being provided to those affected.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews Situation

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said all passengers have been shifted from the accident spot and rescue operations are underway. He spoke to the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and assured him of all possible assistance. State government and railway teams are working in close coordination.

Senior Officials at the Site

Andhra Pradesh minister Botcha Satyanarayana also reached the spot and is overseeing the rescue operations. Senior officials of Vizianagaram district are also at the site. The rescue efforts are being hampered by the darkness.

Helplines Set Up

The East Coast Railway has set up helplines to assist the passengers. The local administration and the National Disaster Response Force NDRF have been informed, seeking assistance and ambulances.

The accident is being investigated and further details are awaited.