Andhra Pradesh train accident: CM Reddy meets victims as death toll reaches 14

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy carried out an aerial inspection of the train accident location in Kantakapalli, Vizianagaram district. Following his visit to the injured individuals at Vizianagaram Government Hospital, he conducted an aerial survey before arriving at Visakhapatnam Airport.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has spoken with Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy about the mishap and the relief measures.

Aam Aadmi Party's Vizianagaram District Convener K Dayanand has demanded that government provide compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the family of the deceased and Rs 5 lakh for those injured.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has said that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy will first visit hospital where the injured are receiving treatment and then visit site of the accident. The CMO said that Reddy was doing this on the request of the railway officials.

Railway officials meanwhile, have said that train carriages involved in the accident have been removed from the site and now track restoration work is ongoing.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has directed Disaster Management Minister Sudam Marandi to visit the site of train accident in Andhra Pradesh. According to the statement from the CMO, the chief minister has also asked Marandi to meet those who are injured.

In light of the horrific accident, various city administrations in Kerala are establishing helplines to disseminate information and help people.

Here are the numbers

Vizianagaram: 08922-221206, 08922-221202, 9493589157

Kantakapalli: 8978081960

Srikakulam Road: 08942-286213, 286245 
 

The railway authorities have cancelled two train and diverted five in light of the train accident which has begun to affect the regional rail traffic.

The South Central Railway has released helpline numbers in light of the train accident.

In a post on social media platform X, the railway authorities have said that these are helpline numbers at Guntur railway station.

33990
9701379072

Vizianagaram Joint Collector Mayur Ashok said that the death toll in Andhra Pradesh train accident has risen to 14.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking about the Andhra Pradesh train targedy, took a potshot at the Centre and said that their claims of safety have evaporated in thin air.

Slamming the Modi government, Kharge said that the enthusiasm shown in flagging off trainss should also be present in actions taken for safety and well-being of railway passengers.

Taking to X, Kharge said, "Extremely saddened to learn about the train derailment tragedy in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, where precious lives have been lost and several people have suffered injuries." 
 

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed his deepest condolences over the death of people in Andhra Pradesh train accident. 

"Anguished by the news of several deaths and injuries in the train accident in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, yesterday. I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and hope for the speedy recovery of all those who are injured. I request Congress workers of the region to provide all possible assistance to the administration in relief and rescue work," posted Gandhi.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy will be visiting the train accident site in Vizianagaram district on Monday (Oct 30). 

East Coast Railways Chief Public Relations Officer Biswajit Sahu, while speaking to NDTV, stated that Andhra Pradesh train accident was caused by a human error as the Rayagada train's driver missed a red signal.

"The driver of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train was responsible for the accident, as he overshot a signal and hit the rear end of the Palasa train. The driver of the Rayagada train was also killed in the accident," said  Biswajit Sahu, Chief Public Relations Officer at East Coast Railways.
 

On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance of ₹ 2 lakh (USD 2401.66) for the family of the deceased. The assistance will be provided by the PM's National Relief Fund. Meanwhile, PMO Office announced ₹ 50,000 (USD 600.41) for injured in Andhra Pradesh train accident.

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of ₹ 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased due to the train derailment between Alamanda and Kantakapalle section. The injured would be given ₹ 50,000," PMO Office wrote on X.

As per the railway officials, the tragic train crash was a result of human error, adding that the loco pilot failed to notice the signalling. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed shock over the tragic train crash and directed the officials to pay a compensation of ₹ 10 lakh (USD 12008.28) each to the family members of those killed and ₹ 2 lakh (USD 2401.66) each to those who have been injured. 

The compensation have been announced on behalf of the state. He further announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh (USD 2401.66) each to the family of those who lost their lives and ₹ 50,000 (USD 600.41) each for those who were injured by other states, as per an official release.

Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police said that the death toll in the train accident in Andhra Pradesh rose to 13, as 50 others were injured.