Hirakhand Express Accident: 39 Dead, Over 60 Hurt as Train Derails in Andhra

"Total seven coaches and the engine of the 18448 Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed near Kuneru station. Besides the engine, the luggage van, two general coaches, two sleeper coaches, one AC three tier coach and an AC two tier coach derailed. 23 passengers were killed," Chief PRO of East Coast Railway J P Mishra.Also Read: Hirakhand Express Accident: Railway Minister Announces Inquiry, Ex-Gratia

The train had 22 coaches. Train services were affected on Rayagada and Vijayanagaram route, with several trains diverted. Also Read: Bodies of 18 Train Mishap Victims Identified

"Total 4 accident relief vans rushed from different places. Priority is treatment, shifting of injured passengers to nearest hospital. Union Railway minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring situation. He directed senior officials to reach the site immediately to ensure prompt rescue and relief ops," the railway ministry said in a series of tweets.Also Read: Over 100 NDRF Personnel Engaged in Rescue Operation

"Helpline nos at Rayagada:BSNL LAND LINE NO. 06856-223400, 06856-223500 BSNL MOBILES 09439741181, 09439741071, AIRTEL 07681878777. Help line nos at Vizianagaram , RLY NO. 83331, 83332, 83333, 83334 BSNL LAND LINE: 08922-221202, 08922-221206," the railway ministry said on its twitter handle.