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On October 29, two trains met with an unfortunate collision near Kankatapalli, Andhra Pradesh. Around 7 p.m. in the evening, the Palasa passenger train bumped into the stationary Rayagada train, leading to the derailment of three compartments. This mishap took place because the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada train had paused due to a broken overhead cable, and sadly, the Visakhapatnam-Palasa Express didn't stop in time, hitting it from behind.
Currently, teams are working tirelessly at the crash site, providing relief and conducting rescue operations. The railway authorities are putting their best foot forward to fix the tracks, aiming to resume the smooth flow of trains on the vital Chennai-Kolkata route, which has been disrupted since the accident.
Those hurt in the crash are receiving treatment in hospitals in both Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. Today, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Mohan, is likely to visit the accident site to assess the situation.
Manoj Sharma, the General Manager of East Coast Railway, is closely overseeing the recovery efforts at the crash site, alongside key department heads from ECoR and the Divisional Railway Manager from Waltair. Officials have shared that the restoration team is robust, with around eight poclain machines, a 140 rail crane, and between 800 to 900 dedicated individuals working diligently.
Furthermore, efforts are in full swing to ensure that the compensation reaches the 50+ injured individuals across various hospitals. The railway authority is also extending ex-gratia to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the accident, as conveyed by an official.
