Bengaluru-Ernakulam Express derailment: PM Modi condoles death of passengers

New Delhi, Feb 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of five passengers following the derailment of an inter-city express near Anekal in Karnataka this morning.

"Saddened by the loss of lives due to derailing of Bengaluru-Ernakulam Express. Condolences to the families of the deceased," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Saddened by the loss of lives due to derailing of Bangalore-Ernakulam express. Condolences to the families of the deceased: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 13, 2015

At least five passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, several critically, when nine bogies of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter-City Express derailed near Anekal today after a boulder fell on the track.

"I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Railway Minister and officials are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring timely relief," the Prime Minister said.

I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Railway Minister & officials are closely monitoring the situation & ensuring timely relief: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 13, 2015

Bengaluru-Ernakulam Inter-city express (Train No: 12677) has derailed near Anekal Road, which is 38 km from Bangalore city, this morning.

Howerver, no casualties have been reported so far. The train derailed at 7:45 am near Hosur. The train was travelling to Ernakulam in Kerala and had left Bengaluru at 6:30 am today.

Officials have deduced that the accident happened due to a boulder which fell on the track.

I am on way to Bangalore to visit accident site to help all stranded. All possible help will be rendered to families affected

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) February 13, 2015

Railway officials say that they are ascertaining how the boulder reached the track. They say that it could have slipped on to the track in the ghat section. As a result, 9 coaches got derailed.

PTI