Duronto Express​ derails in Karnataka, at least two dead; Railway Minister orders probe

Kalburgi: At least two people were killed and several injured when Duronto Express​ derailed in Karnataka on Saturday morning.

The train was going from Hyderabad to Pune and it derailed near Kalburgi.

The incident took place at Martur village station, about 20 kilometres from Kalburgi.

As per reports, nine coaches of the train derailed between 2.15 AM to 2.20 AM. 

 "Two people died and eight others are injured after Mumbai-bound Lokmanya Tilak Express from Secunderabad derailed at Martur station," Amit Singh, Kalburgi Superintendent of Police said, as per PTI.

The rescue operations are on and the injured people have been rushed to Solapur Government Hospital in Maharashtra, Singh added.

Meanwhile, the Railways announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to family of those killed and Rs 50,000 to each of the grievously injured and Rs 25,000 to those with simple injuries.

On the other hand, 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.

Tweeting about the accident Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that he had ordered an inquiry into the incident.

"Saddened by Duranto accident. Ordered enquiry. Immediate medical relief and other assistance rushed. Chair rail board asked to rush," he posted on micro-blogging site.

"All injured being rushed to hospitals and treated by medical team. We'll give ex-gratia to injured, unfortunate families of dead, monitoring it. All possible assistance is provided to all affected, all being rescued. Very unfortunate this," he further tweeted.

In another post he wrote: "All 7 injured rushed to civil hospital, treatment on, rail doctors are on job. All arrangements made to take others to destination. Special train, all possible help being provided to affected families and passengers. Chairman Rail Board, GM, DRM, all ordered to be on rescue job."

Saddened by Duranto accident.Ordered enquiry.Immediate medical relief& other assistance rushed.Chair Rail board asked to rush. — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

All injured bring rushed to hospitals and treated by medical team.We give ex gratia to injured,unfortunate families of dead.monitoring it — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

All possible assistance is provided to all affected, all being rescued.Very unfortunate for this.Cause investigated to take action — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

All injured bring rushed to hospitals and treated by medical team.We give ex gratia to injured,unfortunate families of dead.monitoring it — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

All possible help being provided to affected families and passengers.Chairman Rail Board, GM, DRM, all orders to be on rescue job — Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

(With PTI inputs)