New Delhi:

The train collision in Andhra Pradesh was caused after one of the drivers overshot a signal, a senior railway official said. At least 13 people and 40 were injured when the Palasa passenger train hit the Rayagada passenger train from behind at Kantakapalli, about 40 Km from Visakhapatnam.

Speaking to NDTV, an East Coast Railway official said that the accident was caused by a human error as the driver of the Rayagada train missed a red signal.

“The driver of the Visakhapatnam-Rayagada passenger train was responsible for the accident, as he overshot a signal and hit the rear end of the Palasa train. The driver of the Rayagada train was also killed in the accident,” says Biswajit Sahu, Chief Public Relations Officer at East Coast Railways.

“Investigation is still on and the picture will be clearer only after that,” he added.

Relief and rescue operations on the track are likely to be completed by today evening.

So far, 18 trains have been cancelled and 22 others diverted due to the collision.

Expressing shock over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh assistance for the families of those who died in the accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

“Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected. The Prime Minister extends condolences to the bereaved families and prays that the injured recover soon,” the Prime Minister’s office said on X (formerly Twitter).

India, which has the world’s largest rail network, has seen several disasters over the years. In June, a horrific accident involving three trains killed over 280 passengers in Odisha. The Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train were involved in the accident on June 2 near the Bahanaga Bazar station.

Amravati, Andhra Pradesh:

As many as 12 trains have been cancelled, 15 diverted while 7 others have been partially cancelled after two trains collided in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram, East Coast Railway official said on Sunday.

“…12 trains have been cancelled…15 trains diverted and there is partial cancellation of 7 trains. We have made bus arrangements for passengers so that they are not trapped in the area…We have partially recovered (the tracks)…” Biswajit Sahu, CPRO, East Coast Railway told news agency ANI.

“As per the information, the rear train has overshot the signal,” Mr Sahu added.

He further added that an inquiry is being conducted.

At least six people died and 18 were injured when coaches derailed after Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train hit a Visakhapatnam-Ragada train travelling on the same route in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district on Sunday evening, officials said.

“Six people died and 18 injured in the Andhra Pradesh train accident,” Deepika, SP, Vizianagaram said.

“There was a rear collision between the Visakhapatnam-Palasa passenger train and the Visakhapatnam-Ragada passenger train. 3 coaches were involved in the accident and 10 were injured. Rescue operations are underway, Local administration and NDRF were informed for assistance and ambulances. Accident relief trains reached the site,” the Divisional Railway Manager said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli.

“Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ordered to take immediate relief measures and to send as many ambulances as possible from Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli, the nearest districts of Vizianagaram, and to make all kinds of arrangements in nearby hospitals to provide good medical care,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Office posted on X (Formerly Twitter).”

The Chief Minister has issued orders to coordinate other government departments including health, police and revenue to take quick-relief measures and ensure that the injured receive prompt medical services,” the CMO stated.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)