REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEw DELHI -- More than 100 people have been feared killed in back-to-back twin train mishaps at the same spot in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh late Tuesday night, a senior railway official said Wednesday.
"In the first incident, a passenger train, Kamayani Express, derailed on a railway bridge and five of its coaches fell into the Machak river, about 20 kilometers from Harda. We fear some 100 people may have died in this mishap, given each bogey has 72 seats, " he said, on condition of anonymity.
The Kamayani Express was on its way to Varanasi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh from Mumbai when the incident took place a little before midnight, the official said, adding that another train, Janata Express, traveling to Mumbai, derailed on the same spot within minutes of the first accident.
Local TV channels reported that the derailments happened because of heavy rains in the state, which have flooded the railway bridge, and the river was flowing above the danger mark. However, some people have been pulled out of the river by local residents, the reports said.
A special train, carrying a team of 100 doctors and rescuers, is on its way to the accident spot, the official said.
Indian Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has said that the railways is gearing up all possible help and will not spare any efforts. "Rushing emergency medical and other relief personnel to spot darkness, water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best," he tweeted.
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