At least 39 killed, 50 injured as Indian train derails

At least 39 people were killed and around 50 injured after an express train derailed in southeast India last night in the latest disaster to hit one of the world's largest rail networks.

A number of coaches and the engine of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar express derailed at 11pm local time near Kuneru railway station in Vizianagram district of Andhra Pradesh state.

"The rescue operation is almost over," said a spokesman for East Coast Railway, which has jurisdiction over the area where the derailment occurred.

"Our first priority is to take care of the injured passengers and provide them proper treatment by shifting them to hospitals.

"We are also searching all the coaches to ensure that nobody remains stranded in them," he said.

The reason for the derailment has not been ascertained, he said, adding that they were not ruling out any possibility of foul play and investigations will be conducted.

The incident area is one where Maoist rebels typically operate.
  [rte.ie]
22/1/17