In a devastating train collision that unfolded on 29 October, a fateful Sunday evening, at least 13 people lost their lives, and 54 others suffered injuries in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district. The incident occurred around 7:10 pm when the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger special (08504) collided with the stationary Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger (08532) train.
The India Railways authorities are investigating the incident, and initial findings point to human error as a potential cause. It is believed that the Rayagada-bound train may have disregarded a signal, resulting in the tragic collision. The collision took place on the track between Alamanda and Kantakpalli railway stations in the Kothavalasa block.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic, causing four carriages of the second train to derail onto the adjacent track. Videos shared on social media depict the grim aftermath, with mangled coaches scattered in the pitch-dark conditions.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, local authorities are working diligently to identify the victims. The Vizianagaram district collector has reported that 11 of those who lost their lives in the accident have been identified.
A particularly somber note is the loss of the locomotive pilot and the assistant locomotive pilot of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train. They were among the casualties of this heart-wrenching incident.
Currently, at least 32 individuals are receiving treatment at the Vizianagaram Government Hospital, with four of them in serious condition. Their recovery remains a priority for medical teams working around the clock.
Union Railways Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw expressed his condolences to the affected families and took swift action to provide support and relief. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 10 Lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the accident. For those seriously injured, a compensation of Rs. 2.5 Lakh is being provided, and those with minor injuries sustained during the incident will receive Rs. 50,000 in relief.
The affected area has been cleared of derailed and affected train coaches, allowing authorities to focus on the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts.
This tragic train collision serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of safety and vigilance in the transportation sector. As the nation mourns the lives lost in this accident, it underscores the need for stringent safety measures and advanced signalling systems to prevent such accidents in the future. Our thoughts are with the affected families during this challenging time, and it is essential to ensure that safety remains a top priority across India’s extensive railway network.
