Three Railway Staff Die In Accident Near Rayagada; Enquiry By Commissioner Railway Safety Ordered

Rayagada: Three railway personnel killed in a tragic accident involving the Samaleswari Express and a Tower Car between Singapur Road and Keutguda stations under Waltier Division of East Coast Railway. The engine, front Guard cum Luggage Van and One General Second Class Coach of Howrah-Jagadalpur Samaleswari Express (18005) derailed after the train hit the stationary Tower Car engaged in maintenance.

The engine of Samaleswari express also caught fire after it hit with the tower car and later it was detached from the Samaleswari rake. The incident occurred near Rayagada area at about 1630 hours today. The burnt engine has been separated from the train.

According to the railways, the train with 148 passengers was detached from the engine and taken to Rayagada with the help of another engine. Two buses have also been arranged for the passengers of 18005 for transporting them to Jagdalpur and Koraput along with food arrangements.

Meanwhile, the railways has ordered an enquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety Kolkata.

Commissioner of Railway Safety is an Independent Statutory Authority under the ministry of Civil Aviation. Due to the seriousness of the matter the Railway Board has taken full details of theincident.

The deceased are identified as Mr. Suresh, Technician, Maintenance Tower Car, Sagar, Senior Section Engineer, Electrical, Rayagada and Gauri Naidu, Technician, Electrical, Rayagada.