MP twin train derailment kills 34, injures 250

Harda: At least 34 were killed and 250 injured in Madhya Pradesh after two trains derailed while crossing a railway bridge submerged by flash floods, sending 17 bogies and one engine tumbling into the rain-swollen Machak river.

The incidents took place minutes apart, at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday night Kamayani Express (Mumbai-Varanasi) was hit first, followed shortly by the Janta Express (Patna-Mumbai) heading in the opposite direction. Pic/AFP

The incidents took place minutes apart, at around 11.30 pm on Tuesday night Kamayani Express (Mumbai-Varanasi) was hit first, followed shortly by the Janta Express (Patna-Mumbai) heading in the opposite direction.

The accident occurred between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations on the Khandwa-Itarsi section (160 km from Bhopal), after the 500-metre rail tracks over a small bridge were submerged in a sudden flash flood caused by heavy rains in the area.

Locals and rescue workers inspect the site of the mishap for survivors and dead bodies. 17 bogies and one engine derailed. Pics/PTI

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said the flash flood had caused the Machak River to overflow and wash out a section of the rail tracks, leading to the derailment of the two trains. "The prima facie cause is stated to be a flash flood due to heavy rains," he told the Rajya Sabha.

Eyewitness Jhhabbu, who helped many passengers, told mid-day, "Bodies were washed downriver and found as far as 5 km from the accident site. There were many children as well." A few bogies were seen fallen on one side and while others were leaning in the mud at the site of the mishap.

Tracks were broken, uprooted and scattered, and a detached train wheel was visible in one section. The Railway Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the twin derailment and announced an enhanced ex-gratia of R2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.