New Delhi: Two trains collided near Arakkonam in Vellore district of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday night resulting in at least eight people being killed and 85 others injured, many of them critically. The tragedy took place when a passenger train was hit from behind by an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train.
The Arakkonam-Katpadi train was travelling from Arakkonam to Katpadi in Tamil Nadu and was waiting for signal when it was hit by the Chennai Beach-Vellore EMU, resulting in five bogies getting derailed.
Railway Board Chairman Vinay Mittal confirmed that eight passengers have died in the accident, which took place at 9:30 pm on Tuesday night, and over 85 others are injured.
The injured passengers have been admitted to the government hospital in Arakkonam while some have been referred to the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital.
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said that initial reports suggested that there was a signal break, but more time was needed to assess the situation.
"The Chairman, Railway Board, Vinay Mittal, Minister of State Railways KH Muniyappa and I are taking the first flight to Chennai. We are in touch with the Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu, " said Trivedi.
He added, "Rs 5 lakh compensation will be given to the relatives of those who died in the accident. Rs 1 lakh would be given to those grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who suffered simple injuries."
Two National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams with necessary equipments have been rushed to the collision spot along with other officials for rescue operations.
National Disaster Management Authority Vice Chairman Shashidhar Reddy said, "Two teams have been rushed to the spot. These teams were stationed at Arakkonam station and have been rushed to the spot."
Train traffic on the busy Chennai-Katpadi section has been disrupted. Several trains, including Coimbatore-bound Cheran Express have been cancelled, railway sources said.
Chennai Helpline numbers:
044 - 25357398
044 - 25347771
044 - 25355793
044 - 25353938
044 - 25352639
044 - 25352629
No comments:
Post a Comment