MP Train mishap: PM Modi offers condolences, prayers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered his condolences to the families of the 12 people who had died in train accidents in Madhya Pradesh, and also offered his prayers for the 25 others who had been injured in the mishap.

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Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said, "My prayers with injured. Authorities are doing everything possible on the ground. The situation is being monitored very closely."

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The Prime Minister's tweet came soon after he received information about at least ten bogies of two passenger trains being derailed and falling into a river near Harda in Madhya Pradesh late on Tuesday night.

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So far, it is being reported that more than 300 people have been rescued.

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Of the ten coaches that had derailed, seven were of the Mumbai-Varanasi Kamayani Express. Three coaches and the engine of the Jabalpur-Mumbai Janata Express, which was travelling in the opposite direction, also derailed. The incident took place around 11.30 p.m. while the trains were crossing the bridge over the River Machak, near the Kudawa Railway Station, which is around 25 kilometers from Harda.

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Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said in a tweet that he has ordered for the rushing emergency medical and other relief personnel to spot.

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He also said that rescue and relief operations are being hampered by darkness and the swirling waters of the river, but added that all possible help is being provided for the affected.

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Three special trains carrying doctors and rescue personnel have been dispatched to the spot. Relief teams could not be sent by road due to heavy water logging.

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All private and government hospitals in Harda have been alerted and made ready to accommodate the victims.

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At least 25 trains from Mumbai have been diverted as a result of the mishap. Trains from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh have been temporarily halted.

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Trains may be diverted via Rajasthan-Kota route. Further details are awaited.