2 killed, 8 injured after Mumbai-bound Duranto express derails in Karnataka

Kalburgi: At least two people were killed and eight others injured when nine coaches of a Mumbai-bound Duranto express derailed near Kalburgi in Karnataka before dawn on Saturday.

Police and rescuers helped pull out scores of passengers from the coaches that fell on their side near Gulbarga in Karnataka state after the train derailed at about 2:15 a.m., Indian Railway spokesman Anil Saksena said.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Gulbarga, about 600 kilometres (370 miles) north of India's technology hub of Bangalore. However, the cause of the derailment was not immediately known.

Railway accidents are common in India and have mostly been blamed on human error and old equipment.

Morning visuals from Duronto Express derailment site near Gulbarga at Martur. pic.twitter.com/vIIvtAh9Yl

— ANI (@ANI_news) September 12, 2015

Last month, two passenger trains derailed over a bridge in central India while crossing a track that was flooded by heavy monsoon rains, killing at least 24 people.

An inquiry has been ordered by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu into the accident, Chairman Railway Board AK Mittal said.

The inquiry will be conducted by Commissioner Railway Safety (Central circle) to ascertain the exact cause of derailment, he said.

Railways has also announced ex-gratia relief of Rs two lakh to the next of kin of those killed, Rs 50,000 to each of the grievously injured, and Rs 25,000 to those with simple injuries, Mittal said.

"Rescue and relief operations are going on at the spot and medical teams have already reached and I am also rushing to the site to supervise," Mittal said.

"Saddened by Duranto accident. Ordered enquiry. Immediate medical relief & other assistance rushed. Chairman Rail board asked to rush," Prabhu tweeted while expressing grief over the accident.

Saddened by Duranto accident.Ordered enquiry.Immediate medical relief& other assistance rushed.Chair Rail board asked to rush.

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

All possible help being provided to affected families and passengers.Chairman Rail Board, GM, DRM, all orders to be on rescue job

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) September 12, 2015

Stating that all injured are being rushed to hospitals and are being treated by medical team, he said ex-gratia will be given to injured, and unfortunate families of dead.

Railways has operationalised helpline numbers which are Gulbarga 0847-2255066/2255067, Secunderabad 040-27700968, Solapur 0217-2313331, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus 022-22694040, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus 022-25280005, and Kalyan 0251-2311499.

Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said the train has left for its onward journey and one line has been restored.

Initially, both the lines were blocked due to the derailment but now one line has been made operational. No passenger was stranded.