Harda (MP): Several casualties were feared when a train from Mumbai to Varanasi derailed near Harda in Madhya Pradesh late tonight, with some bogies plunging into Machak river.
"Some bogies have fallen into the Machak river," Harda Collector Rajnish Shrivastava said. Kamayani Express plying from Mumbai to Varanasi derailed near Harda, about 160 kms from Bhopal.
There was no official word on the number of casualties.
Television channels reported that several people were feared dead and that five bogies had fallen into the river.
A relief train with doctors and paramedical staff was rushed to the accident site.
"Rushing emergency medical & other relief personnel to spot. darkness,water creating hurdles but ordered all possible help. Trying our best (sic), " Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu posted on Twitter.
Prabhu said efforts were underway to pull back the bogies. "We r gearing up all possible help on basis of info,will not spare any efforts," the Railway Minister said in a series of tweets.
"Rail Admn & MP govt working together to rescue passengers of Kamyani express accident.Directed GM, DRM,RPF medical staff to rush," he added.
Close on the heels of the Kamayani Express' derailment, another train Janata Express from Jabalpur to Mumbai also derailed near the spot, Hoshangabad Divisional Commissioner V K Badham said.
Railway authorities were trying to ascertain the reason behind the twin derailment.
