As per sources, the area is a naxal-prone zone and foul play cannot ruled out.
Railways suspected that tampering of the track near Kuneru station led to the derailment of nine coaches of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. At least 26 people are dead in the incident.
"There is a strong indication of tampering with the track as the area is known to be a Naxal-prone zone and as Republic Day is approaching. Foul play cannot be ruled out," sources said. "The Commissioner Railway Safety will conduct a thorough inquiry to ascertain the cause of the mishap," the sources said.
Indian Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena on Sunday said, that any unusual activity or tampering with the railway tracks leading to the derailment of the Hirakhand Express, will be investigated, and also informed that a unit of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been sent on the spot for rescue operation.
"Total 54 people have been injured, those with minor injuries have been sent after first aid. Efforts are on for rescue. One unit of National Disaster Response Force has reached the spot. The up and down line between Vijayanagaram-Singhpur has been affected. The cause will be investigated from all angles. If there was any unusual activity, or tampering with track, it will be probed. Commissioner Railway Safety (Civil Aviation Ministry) will enquire into Hirakhand Express derailment and he will inspect site," Saxena said.
According to the sources, "A goods train had safely passed the same track. The patrol man had also checked the track. However, the driver of the train heard a big cracker-like sound just before the derailment and there appeared to be a big crack on the track which caused the derailment".
Twenty seven people were killed after nine coaches of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh.
The incident took place around 11 PM yesterday when the train was on its way to Bhubaneswar from Jagdalpur.
Saxena said their main aim is to make the people reach their destinations, adding that the unaffected portion of the train has been taken to Raigoda, from where it has been diverted to Bhubaneswar. "Water containers, biscuits and teas are being supplied to the people. They can also talk to their families through phones which are made them available," he added.
He further informed that the Railway Minister have expressed grief and announced ex gratia payment to the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced rupees two lakh as compensation for the kin of deceased in the horrific Hirakhand express derailment in Andhra Pradesh last night, which claimed the lives of 26 people. He also announced 25,000 rupees for the injured and 50,000 rupees for the seriously injured.
Prabhu, along with Railway Board Chairman A K Mittal, is rushing to the derailment site in Andhra.
With PTI/ANI inputs.
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