In a grievous incident in southeast India, the death toll from a train collision has risen to 13, with approximately 50 individuals sustaining injuries. The calamity unfolded late on Sunday when one of the passenger trains failed to adhere to a signal between the towns of Alamanda and Kantakapalle in Andhra Pradesh state.
The initial investigation into the matter has revealed that “human error” played a pivotal role in the tragic collision, as disclosed by the railway ministry.
Nagalakshmi S., a senior local government official, conveyed the latest figures to reporters and confirmed the ongoing rescue efforts to aid the injured.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, revealing that he had engaged in discussions with the country’s railway minister regarding the “unfortunate” derailment. Modi also assured the public that authorities were actively providing assistance to those affected.
India boasts one of the world’s most extensive railway networks and has witnessed numerous rail-related disasters over the years, the most devastating of which occurred in 1981 when a train derailed while crossing a bridge in Bihar state, resulting in an estimated 800 casualties.
Tragedy struck again in June when a collision involving three trains claimed nearly 300 lives in Odisha state. Subsequently, in August, nine individuals lost their lives in southern India when a coach caught fire after a passenger’s attempt to brew tea went awry.
Earlier in the same month, Bihar witnessed a harrowing incident as an express train derailed, leading to the demise of four people.
