MP train derailment: Shivraj Chouhan says 28 bodies have been recovered till now

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday said a total of 28 bodies have been recovered after two trains derailed while crossing the swollen Machak river near Harda.

"There was so much water that it seemed as if a cloud burst. Total 28 dead bodies have been discovered until last report. Railways administration and state administration are working together," Chouhan, who took to travelling by a train to restore confidence in the Indian Railways, told ANI.

The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister had earlier stated that the administration had identified 11 dead bodies and was uploading the details of the unidentified bodies on the internet.

"Eleven bodies have been identified while 14 have not been identified. The photographs of the unidentified bodies are being uploaded on the website so that their relatives can be identified," said Chouhan.

"The post mortem of the identified bodies will be conducted here in Harda and handed over to the family; the unidentified ones will be sent to the Bhopal Gandhi medical college," he added.

Ten coaches of Kamayani Express and four coaches plus the engine of Janata Express were derailed late last night as the base material on the tracks got washed away in heavy rains.

The mishap took place between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations near Harda.