Railways order inquiry into twin train mishaps in MP

The two passenger trains derailed within minutes of each other, while crossing a bridge on swollen Machak river near Harda

Railways today ordered an inquiry into the twin train derailments in Harda in Madhya Pradesh which have left 24 passengers dead and ordered compensation for the families of the victims.

"According to reports, there was a possible burst in a nearby dam which caused sudden flow of water on the tracks and that resulted in the derailment," Railway Board Chairman A K Mittal told PTI.

Howevere, Commissioner Railway Safety (central zone) will conduct an inquiry into the accidents, Railway Spokesperson Anil Saxena said.

He said though prime facie flash floods caused the derailment of these two trains, the real cause will be ascertained after the submission of the inquiry report.

The official said just eight minutes before the accident, two trains had crossed that section and drivers of these trains did not detect any problem.

Several passengers have been rescued and sent to the nearest station, he said.

Meanwhile, Railway Board member (traffic) Kundan Sinha said the tracks have been breached because of the flow of excessive water and the particular section has been closed for any train movement.

The accident relief train has reached the spot and several passengers have been brought to a nearby station, Sinha added.

Kamayani Express enroute to Varanasi from Mumbai derailed near Harda, about 160 kms from Bhopal, and the Mumbai-Jabalpur Janata Express derailed around 11.30 p.m on Tuesday.

The derailment took place near Khirkiya and Harda station on Machak river. Railways have also announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for the next of the kin of passengers who died in the mishaps, Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured and Rs 25,000 for passengers with minor injuries.