AP: Hampi Express collides with goods train, 8 dead

The Hampi Express collided with a goods train near Penneconda in Andhra Pradesh early on Tuesday morning on its way from Hubli to Bangalore. Eight people were dead and 25 were injured in the collision, according to a railway spokesperson. The accident happened at around 3:45 am on Tuesday.

Railway Minister Mukul Roy is reportedly on his way to the accident site. The Railway Ministry has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the dead, Rs 1 lakh for grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 for simple injuries.

The traffic en route has reportedly been restored.

Three bogies of the Hampi Express got derailed. The accident caused the first two compartments of the train to catch fire. Reports say there was a short circuit in the first compartment.

The flames have been extinguished and Railway officials were trying to enter the train.

Rescue efforts were underway in Penneconda. Many people were feared trapped under the debris. The injured were taken to the Penneconda hospital.

Reports said the Hampi Express was over-speeding and overshot a signal due to which it collided with the goods train. However the spokesperson for the railways said that nothing could be confirmed until the probe was over.

Helpline numbers:

Bangalore: 080 22371166, 22156553, 22156554

Bellary: 08392 277704

Hubli: 0836-2345338, 2346141, 2289826

Hospet: 08394-221788