Kamayani, Janata Express derail in Madhya Pradesh, 22 Killed, 100 Injured

Several bogies and engines of Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express and Mumbai-bound Janata Express, derailed at the same spot near Harda, Madhya Pradesh, killing 22 people and injuring 100 others. The derailment occurred near a river bridge because of overflowing water on the railway tracks.

The rescue operations are going on full swing after some initial difficulties because of darkness and water. Medical teams were dispatched to the spot in the night on the directive of Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

The unaffected bogies with over 300 passengers were evacuated. NDRF, Army and local volunteers are in action to expedite the rescue operations. Several trains on the route, were either cancelled or diverted.

Kamayani Express, which runs between Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus station to Varanasi Junction in Uttar Pradesh, was derailed around midnight near Khiriya village in Harda district. The Janata Express also derailed within minutes of the first accident while crossing the same bridge over the Machak river. The train was on its way to Mumbai from Jabalpur.