30 hurt as train derails near Belgaum

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Belgaum, Oct 1, 2012: Thirty passengers were injured when the Hubli-Miraj passenger train No 51420 derailed at Karikatti village near the Tummurguddi hillock between Sulebhavi and Suldhal railway stations near Belgaum district on Monday.

The coaches of the Hubli-Miraj passenger train that derailed at Karikatti village near Tummurguddi hillock in Belgaum district on Monday.The injured passengers were admitted to District Hospital and three private hospitals for treatment. Six of them, including a railway gangman, were critically injured.


The Hubli-Miraj passenger train, which left the Belgaum railway station at 5 pm, was proceeding towards Suldhal station when it derailed near Karikatti at 5:45 pm.

The engine and seven coaches of the train derailed. The engine turned turtle and fell beside the track.

Heavy rain has been lashing the region for the past four days. One of the small bridges on which the tracks pass had caved in. The tracks were covered with mud and slush hampering rail traffic, according to sources.

Railway gangman Ramappa Hadimani was among those who were trapped in the mangled coaches. They were rescued and later admitted to hospital.

The passengers who suffered minor injuries were discharged from hospital after they were administered first aid. Buses were arranged for them to help them reach their destinations.

Senior officials from district administration and railways rushed to the spot to supervise rescue and relief operations, Deputy Commissioner V Anbukumar said.

Most of the passengers injured in the accident were from Belgaum, Gokak, Raibag, Chikodi taluks in the district.

Union Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa, who visited the injured, announced a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured. Each of those who suffered minor injuries will get Rs 25,000.

Courtesy: Deccan Herald