39 Killed, Over 50 Injured in Hirakhand Train Accident In Andhra Pradesh
At least 39 people were killed and more than 50 were reportedly injured after the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express derailed in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. The accident took place at around 11:30 pm on Saturday.
The train was traveling from Jagdalpur city to Bhubaneshwar through Hirakhand Express when nine out of 22 coaches were derailed. Rail traffic on the coastline was suspended.
Services were affected on Rayagada and Vizianagaram route, with at least three trains canceled and eight others diverted.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced compensation of Rs. 2 lakh each for the families of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “The tragedy is saddening. The Railway Ministry is monitoring the situation very closely and is working to ensure quick rescue and relief operations.”
This incident comes two months after 146 people were killed in the passenger train that derailed in Kanpur.
The government has allegedly signed numerous deals with private companies to upgrade the aging network.
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