23 killed as train derails in Maharashtra

The accident occurred at 10.30 pm between Rajapur and Vaibhavwadi when the Mumbai-bound 904 up train from Karwar was passing through a tunnel, Konkan Railway sources said in Mumbai on Monday. This is the first accident on the Konkan Railway sector.

The remaining eight coaches of the train, along with injured persons, were taken to Kankavali by the rescue team.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

The injured, 15 of them in serious condition, have been admitted to a hospital there, the sources said.

The seriously injured included the driver and the assistant driver of the train.

Following the derailment, traffic on the Mumbai-Goa section of the Konkan Railway has been severally affected, the sources said.

The landslide was apparently caused due to heavy rains lashing the area for the past several days, sources added.

One of the deceased has been identified as Ratnakar Rane of Mumbai police, the sources said adding, since the train was a holiday special, the list of passengers is not available.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered an inquiry, to be conducted by the Commissioner, Safety, Railways, into the accident. Kumar, Railway Board Chairman and other officials have reached the accident site.