Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday expressed shock and grief over the train accident near Kantakapalli in Vizianagaram district, and directed the concerned officials to launch rescue operations.
As per sources, three deaths have been confirmed in the accident so far.
Officials in the Chief Minister’s Office informed Reddy that as per preliminary information, a passenger train which was on its way to Rayagada from Visakhapatnam was involved in the accident. Four bogies of the train have derailed in the mishap.
The Chief Minister directed the officials to immediately launch the rescue operation. He also asked the officials to send required number ambulances to the spot from nearby Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts.
Reddy directed the the health, police, revenue and other departments to coordinate rescue operations and ensure best possible treatment to the injured at the nearest hospitals.
Helplines set up for info on Andhra train accident
The Vizianagaram district administration has set up helplines to provide information about the train accident in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday night.
At least three passengers were killed when the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger was hit by Palasa Express near Kantakapalli junction in Kothavalasa ‘mandal’ (block).
District collector S. Nagalaxmi said a control room has been opened in her office to provide information about the passengers.
People may contact the control room at 9493589157. The railways has also opened a helpline -- 8978080006 -- to provide information.