Mumbai-bound Duranto Express derails in Karnataka, 2 killed, over 8 injured

Kalburgi: At least two persons were killed and eight others injured when nine coaches of a Mumbai-bound train derailed near Kalburgi in Karnataka early on Saturday. [caption id=“attachment_2431148” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] The incident took place at Martur village station, about 20 kilometres from Kalburgi. Two persons were killed and eight injured in the mishap, Amit Singh, Kalburgi Superintendent of Police, said. “Two people died and eight others are injured after Mumbai-bound Lokmanya Tilak Express from Secunderabad derailed at Martur station,” he said. Singh said nine coaches of the train derailed between 2 15 am to 2 20 am. The rescue operations are on and the injured people have been rushed to Solapur Government Hospital in Maharashtra, Singh added. An inquiry has been ordered by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu into the accident, Chairman Railway Board AK Mittal said. The inquiry will be conducted by Commissioner Railway Safety (Central circle) to ascertain the exact cause of derailment, he said. Railways has also announced ex-gratia relief of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 to each of the grievously injured, and Rs 25,000 to those with simple injuries, Mittal said. “Rescue and relief operations are going on at the spot and medical teams have already reached and I am also rushing to the site to supervise,” Mittal said. “Saddened by Duranto accident. Ordered enquiry. Immediate medical relief & other assistance rushed. Chairman Rail board asked to rush,” Prabhu tweeted while expressing grief over the accident. Stating that all injured are being rushed to hospitals and are being treated by medical team, he said ex-gratia will be given to injured, and unfortunate families of dead. Railways has operationalised helpline numbers which are Gulbarga 0847-2255066/2255067, Secunderabad 040-27700968, Solapur 0217-2313331, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 022-22694040, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus 022-25280005, and Kalyan 0251-2311499. Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said the train has left for its onward journey and one line has been restored. Initially, both the lines were blocked due to the derailment but now one line has been made operational. No passenger was stranded. PTI