By Mubasshir Mushtaq
MUMBAI, India
At least 27 people were killed as two passenger trains derailed in central India on Tuesday night.
India's railway ministry said within minutes of one train derailing as it crossed flooded tracks in Madhya Pradesh state, another derailed on the adjoining track to the initial accident.
According to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, the accident took place on a small bridge over a steam that had overflowed, causing water to flood the train coaches after the accident.
Prabhu ordered an inquiry, saying the primary cause was the flooding of the tracks due to heavy rains.
Six coaches of the Kamayani Express, the first train to crash, fell into the stream while the engine of the Janata Express derailed at the same spot, injuring over 300 people.
Prabhu said local villagers and railway officials were the first to reach the spot, though darkness and water obstructed the rescue operation.
“Rushing emergency medical & other relief personnel to spot. Darkness,water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best,” Prabhu tweeted.
By Wednesday morning, the railway officials and a 35-member team of national disaster response force had completed the rescue operation.
“The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Prabhu announced an immediate compensation of $3,133 to the immediate families of the deceased.
