24 killed as an express train rams into a goods train in India

Penukonda (Andhra Pradesh, India), May 22 (PTI) 24 people were killed, at least 16 of them charred to death, and over 40 others injured when the driver of the Bangalore-bound Hampi Express apparently overshot the signal and rammed into the rear of a stationary goods train in Anantapur district in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours today. The impact of the collision that took place at 3:15 AM at Penukonda Railway Station was such that four bogies of the express train derailed and one of them caught fire. "At least 16 persons were charred to death, mostly women passengers, when one of the bogies caught fire after the express train collided with the stationary goods train" Charu Sinha, Deputy Inspector General of police (Anantapur range), said. Twenty-four passengers have died and the injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals at Penukonda, Hindupur and Anantapur, she said. Most of the victims were labourers coming from Hubli and Hospet in Karnataka and were on their way to Bangalore. "Prima facie it seems that the driver of Hampi Express overshot the signal," Railway Spokesperson Anil Saxena said in Delhi. Police have registered a case and both the driver and his assistant of the express train were injured and in hospital and not in a position to speak right now, Guntakal Railway Police Deputy Superintendent Harinath Reddy said. Railway Minister Mukul Roy, who was in Kolkata, has rushed to the site of the accident and ordered an inquiry into it. Commissioner Railway Safety (Southern Circle), S K Mittal will conduct a statutory inquiry and has been asked to submit a report at the earliest. Roy also announced a compensation of Rs 500,000 to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 100,000 for those who sustained grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 to those who received minor injuries. Railway officials said the neighbouring rail track has been restored and traffic has almost become normal in the affected section. PTI Caption for pic: The coach of the Hampi Express that caught fire in the train accident at Penukonda in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday. PTI Photo