23 dead, many injured as Odisha-bound train derails in Andhra Pradesh

At least 23 people were killed and over 100 were believed to be injured after nine coaches of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, officials said today.

The incident took place around 11 PM when the train was going to Bhubaneswar.

“Nine coaches and the engine of the 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed near Kuneru station. Besides the engine, the luggage van, two general coaches, two sleeper coaches, one AC three tier coach and an AC two tier coach derailed,” Chief PRO of East Cost Railway J P Mishra said.

So far, 23 passengers have been confirmed dead by a team of doctors that rushed to the spot, said Mishra.

Rayagada Sub-collector Muralidhar Swain said that the number of injured could be around 100. The casualty figure may go up as many people are trapped, he added.

District administration of both Vizianagaram and Rayagada are taking active part in rescue operations, said Mishra.