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Eleven Passengers Killed In Train Accident In Karnataka

Eleven Passengers Killed In Train Accident In Karnataka
Crowds watch as Indian fire force personnel attempt to retrieve the bodies of victims from the Bangalore-Ernakulam train which derailed after a boulder fell on the track in Bidaragere, about 50 kms from Bangalore on February 13, 201. At least five passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, according to local Press Trust of India (PTI) when the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed. AFP PHOTO / Manjunath KIRAN (Photo credit should read Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images)
MANJUNATH KIRAN via Getty Images
Crowds watch as Indian fire force personnel attempt to retrieve the bodies of victims from the Bangalore-Ernakulam train which derailed after a boulder fell on the track in Bidaragere, about 50 kms from Bangalore on February 13, 201. At least five passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, according to local Press Trust of India (PTI) when the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed. AFP PHOTO / Manjunath KIRAN (Photo credit should read Manjunath Kiran/AFP/Getty Images)

At least eleven passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, several critically, when nine bogies of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed near here today after a boulder fell on the track.

The train had left Bengaluru at 0615 hrs and derailed at 0735 hrs between Anekal Road and Hosur on Bangalore City-Salem Section, about 45 km from Bengaluru, Railways said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said a boulder fell on the track and the train hit it.

I am personally monitoring it and in touch with State and local administration.All Sr rail officials are directed by me to be on job.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) February 13, 2015

Law Minister Sadanand Gowda has reached the accident site, near the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Railway Board Chairman had been directed to evacuate all stranded passengers, besides which medical help had been rushed, he said.

"At least five to six persons have died. Exact number of casualties would be known after some time as rescue and relief operations are still underway," Karnataka Home Minister K J George told reporters here.

Prabhu said an inquiry had been ordered.

Ordered enquiry to fix responsibility and for corrective action to prevent such unfortunate accidents. Monitoring action regularly

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) February 13, 2015

Police and Railway officials said efforts were being made to reach those trapped inside the derailed bogies. The injured have been rushed to hospitals in nearby Hosur and Bengaluru, they said.

Help desks have been set up at Bangalore City Railway Station and at the accident site.Bengaluru city help desk numbers are 080 22371166, 080-22156553, 080-22156554, 9731666751. Accident site number is 9448090599.

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. Kerala 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.

In October, 2014, twelve people were killed after two passenger trains collided in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Earlier in May, 23 people died after a passenger train derailed and hit a stationary goods train, also in Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)

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