50 people killed, 230 injured – critically at kadalundi in evening – 8 couches of Mangalore Mail derailed – 4 coaches plunged into the river – accident caused by the breach in the bridge – 4 coaches partially submerged – 4 dangling -death toll expected to rise – rescues engaged in extricating the trapped passengers in the coaches – injured sent to the hospital – many died of head injuries – rescuers recovered passengers in the coaches- injured sent to the hospital – many died of head injuries -rescuers recovered 21 bodies, 2 women – local people, fire bridge rescued 110 people -Railway authorities air dashed and expressed deep grief.
50 KILLED IN TRAIN ACCIDENT
[ Press Trust of India ]
KADALUNDI (KERALA), June 22. At least 50 people were killed and 230 injured, many of them critically in a train accident at Kadalundi in Kerela, this evening. The accident occurred when eight coaches of Chennai-bound Mangalore Mail derailed on a bridge with four coaches plunging into the Kadalundi river. Eyewitness said, the accident could have been caused by a beach in the bridge. While four coaches were partially submerged, four were dangling from the bridge. The toll is expected to rise as rescuers were till late in the night engaged in extricating those trapped in four partially submerged coaches, police said. The injured have been admitted to verious hospitals. It is learnt that many died after suffering head injuries. Rescue workers had so far recovered 21 bodies, including two women. Local people, fire bridge personnel and police rushed to the spot and rescued at least 110 passengers trapped in the coaches. The Railway Minister, accompanied by the Railway Board Chairman air-dashed to the accident site and expressed deep shock and grief at the loss of life.