At least 6 die as trains collide, coaches derail

At least six people died and 25 others were injured when two passenger trains collided in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, local police and railway officials said.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu and Neha LM Tripathi

The Railways identified the two trains involved as the 08532 Visakhapatnam-Palasapassenger and the 08504 Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger special.

The latter rammed into the Palasa-bound train around 7pm, a statement said, citing human error as a possible cause with the Rayagada-bound train having likely jumped the signal.

Sourabh Prasad, divisional railway manager of the Waltair division, said the collision took place at roughly 7.10pm. “The Vishakhapatnam-Palasa train was waiting on the track between Alamanda and Kantakpalli railway stations of the Kothavalasa block when the collision took place.”

"As of now six people have been confirmed dead and 18 injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment. More details are awaited," said M Deepika, Vizianagaram superintendent of police.