Madhya Pradesh: 29 killed, 25 hurt in train accident; Suresh Prabhu says flash floods washed away tracks, causing derailments

Twenty-nine people were killed as two express trains derailed within minutes of each other on flooded tracks while crossing a railway bridge in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh in the dead of night and plunged into the swollen Machak river.

There were conflicting versions on the number of casualties in the twin derailment at around 1130 pm last night involving the Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express from Mumbai and the Mumbai-bound Janta express that originated from Patna. The accident occurred between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations on Khandwa-Irasi sections, 160 km from Bhopal.

MP Government spokesman Anupam Rajan said, "29 bodies, including those of 13 men, 11 women and five children, have been recovered so far from the mishap site between Khirkiya and Harda, about 160 km from Bhopal."

Over 250 passengers have been rescued, a railway official said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, however, told Parliament that 12 passengers were killed.

"The prima facie cause of the incident is stated to be 'flash flood due to heavy rains'," Prabhu told the Rajya Sabha amid the din by slogan-shouting opposition members.

Updates:

19:07 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

In the aftermath of the twin train derailment near Harda in Madhya Pradesh, the Central Railway has cancelled 10 down trains for Wednesday and Thursday that originate from its zone.

17:22 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said the rail mishap in Harda district appeared to have been caused by heavy rains which led to the base of the track getting washed away, resulting in snapping of the overhead contact of the engine.

12:15 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Two trains derailed near Harda in Madhya Pradesh as the tracks were washed away by flash floods due to heavy rains, claiming at least 12 lives and injuring 25 others, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said.

Making a suo motu statement on the incident in both Houses of Parliament, Prabhu said, "the prima-facie cause of the incident is stated to be flash floods due to heavy rains."

"As per available information, 12 passengers lost their lives and 25 sustained injuries in this unfortunate incident," Prabhu said.

12:12 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

MP government to give Rs. 2 lakh compensation 

Apart from amount given by the Railways, the Madhya Pradesh government will give Rs. 2 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased. Rs 50,000 to grievously injured and 10,000 for minor injuries, said CM shivraj singh Chouhan.

12:11 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Twin train accident in MP: 28 dead, rescue & relief operations underway (Spot visuals) pic.twitter.com/UkrD1bc1cu

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 5, 2015

12:10 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Death toll in the accident has gone up to 29, including 11 women and five children. 

10:50 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Digvijaya Singh says Prabhu must quit

Taking to micro blogging site, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh demanded resignation of Suresh Prabhu. He said, "What is happening Mr Prabhu ? We always considered you to be a good Minister. May I remind you? Shastri ji resigned after a train accident. Madhav Rao Scindhia resigned after a Plane Crash. But we know you won't you are in bad company who don't know the meaning of accountability."

He further added, "Deeply grieved to hear about the deaths in Train accident in MP. Accountability must be fixed. Heads must roll. Would they? No. Because BJP doesn't believe in fixing accountability & taking action. Why ? As Rajnath Ji said "in BJP no one resigns. We are not Congress"

What is happening Mr Prabhu ? We always considered you to be a good Minister. May I remind you? Shastri ji resigned after a train accident

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) August 5, 2015

9:27 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Accident could have been avoided: Former Railways Minister

Former union railways minister Dinesh Trivedi said, "This is totally unacceptable. This is the symptom of the deep-rooted cancer in the railway system. I don't consider it as an accident; an accident is something which can't be avoided. This could've been avoided."

He added, The truth is that year-after-year, the Railways require Rs. 60000 crores for maintenance, and unfortunately they do not have that money. Knowingly, you jeopardizing the lives of the common man, and that is not done. The reason for this derailment and other previous ones is man-made. This could have been avoided."

9:19 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Railways announce compensation

Harda twin train mishap: Railways announce a compensation of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of the kin of the deceased. Rs 50,000 to grievously injured and 25,000 for minor injuries.

8:01 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Deeply pained over the loss of lives, says PM Modi

PM Modi tweets, "The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased.

The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2015

My prayers with the injured. Authorities are doing everything possible on the ground. The situation is being monitored very closely.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 5, 2015

7:58 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Inquiry ordered into the twin train mishap in Harda; Commissioner Railway Safety (central zone) to conduct the probe: Railways. 

7:40 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

According to Madhya Pradesh government 20 people have been killed in the accident.

Images from the site

6:47 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Helpline Numbers

The railways have announced two helpline numbers: 05422503814 and 62733 for those wanting information about their kith and kin involved in the mishap.

Kamyani Express Derailment in MP, WCR Helpline No : Itarsi - 07572 241920, Bina - 07580 222052, Harda - 09752460088, Bhopal - 0755 4001609

WCR Derailment CR opened Help line no at CST Mumbai: 022-22694040, LTT 022-25280005, Thane 022-25334840, KALYAN 0251-2311499

Trains Diverted

6:31 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Twin Train Derailment in MP: NDRF and rescue officials inside a bogey which derailed pic.twitter.com/oF9NVztSEF

— ANI (@ANI_news) August 4, 2015

6:27 IST Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Taking to micro blogging site, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said, "Railways administration & MP government working together to rescue passengers of Kamyani express accident. We are gearing up all possible help on basis of info,will not spare any efforts."

Rail Admn & MP govt working together to rescue passengers of Kamyani express accident.Directed GM, DRM,RPF medical staff to rush.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 4, 2015

Rushing emergency medical & other relief personnel to spot. darkness,water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 4, 2015

Local villagers,Admn r also in rescue operation. Everything that's necessary and possible being done.Constant in touch with CM MP&Rail off

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 4, 2015

(With PTI inputs)