2023 Andhra Pradesh train collision
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| 2023 Andhra Pradesh train collision | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Date | 29 October 2023 |
| Location | Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Line | Howrah–Chennai main line |
| Operator | Indian Railways |
| Incident type | Signal passed at danger |
| Cause | Human error |
| Statistics | |
| Trains | 2 |
| Deaths | 14 |
| Injured | 30 |
On October 29, 2023, two passenger trains collided in southern India's Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, killing at least 14 people and injuring about 50 others.[1] Three carriages of a stationary Visakhapatnam - Palasa passenger train were derailed after it was hit by Vnioncoming sakhapatnam - Rayagada passenger.
Incident
On October 29, 2023, around 07:00 IST, the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger service train stopped in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Prdesh India, due to a break in an overhead cable. It was then hit by an oncoming Visakhapatnam - Rayagada passenger, causing three carriages to derail.[2][1][3] The collision occurred between Kantakapalli and Alamanda railway stations,[4] resulting in severe damage to three coaches of the Palasa Train, the locomotive, and two coaches of the Rayagada Train.[5] At least 14 people were killed and 50 others were injured as a result.[6]
Response
The National Disaster Response Force team, police, and railway personnel were engaged in the rescue operation. Heavy duty cranes were deployed at the site for the removal of the wrecked coaches.[7]
According to Biswajit Sahu, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Coast Railway, "human error" caused by "overshooting of signal" by the second train led to the collision.[1] A preliminary probe by Indian Railways into the incident determined that the Rayagada passenger train passed two defective signals, violating rules and held its driver and the assistant driver as responsible for the collision. Both crew members were among those killed.[6]
Following the accident, 33 trains were cancelled and 22 others were diverted.[1] Later, the railway track was repaired in 20 hours, allowing train services to resume.[7]
The Prime Minister's Office announced compensation of INR 200,000 for the next of kin of each of the deceased and INR 50,000 to each of the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d "Andhra Pradesh: India train crash kills 13 and injures dozens". BBC News. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ Prasad, Ritu (29 October 2023). "At least 10 reported dead after trains collide in India". CNN. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ Dash, Jatindra; Sadam, Rishika (29 October 2023). "At least 10 dead in Indian train collision". Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ a b "13 dead as two passenger trains collide in Andhra, officials say driver missed red signal". The Indian Express. 29 October 2023. Archived from the original on 29 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ "Andhra train accident updates | Initial probe points finger at Rayagada passenger train crew". The Hindu. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Train Accident Highlights: 14 Killed, 50 Injured As 2 Trains Collide In Andhra". NDTV. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Andhra Pradesh train accident | 'Overshot' main cause of fatal accident, suspects Railway officials". The Hindu. 30 October 2023. Archived from the original on 30 October 2023. Retrieved 30 October 2023.