Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter city Express derails near Anekal: 3 killed

Railway officials said about nine coaches have been derailed in the mishap that occurred between Anekal-Hosur on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at around 7.40 am.

Karnataka Government rushed several ambulances to the spot and launched rescue operations.

Several passengers have been trapped in the coaches mangled due to the impact of derailment and being pulled out, sources said.

The injured trapped in derailed bogies were being removed and rushed to hospitals in Bengaluru and nearby Hosur, sources said.

"We are not still certain about casualties as of now; it should be less than 10," Divisional Railway Manager (Bangalore) Anil Kumar Agarwal said.

The Bangalore City - Ernakulam Intercity Express had left Bengaluru at 0615 hrs and derailed at 0735 hrs between Anekal Road and Hosur on Bangalore City-Salem Section, Railways said.

Help desks have been set up at Bangalore City Railway Station and at the accident site.

Bangalore city help desk numbers are 080 22371166, 080-22156553, 080-22156554, 9731666751. Accident site number is 9448090599.

Karnataka Health Minister U T Khader said here that medical teams have been rushed from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry into the derailment of the train and announced a compensation for the families of those killed in the mishap.

An inquriy into the mishap will be conducted by Commissioner (Railway Safety), he said.

"Unfortunate rail accident in Karnataka, Boulder fell on track in Ghat section, train hit it. directed all sr officers to rush with full help," Prabhu tweeted.

Expressing grief over the mishap, the minister announced a compensation of Rs two lakhs for the families of the deceased.

While Rs 50,000 would be given to those severely injured, Rs 20,000 would be given to those who suffered simple injuries.

Prabhu has rushed to the site along with Chairman Railway Board.

Meanwhile, railway sources in Thiruvananthapuram said two of those who died were Kerala-bound passengers.

Two coaches of the train had together 108 Kerala-bound passengers. Of these D8 had 60 and D9 48 passengers travelling to Kerala, a senior railway official said.

The Railways have arranged special buses from Kochi for relatives of the passengers to visit the accident site.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has assigned Electricity Minister Aryuadan Muhammad and senior district officials from Palakkad and Kasargode to the accident site to co-ordinate relief work and medical aid for those involved in the accident.