Madhya Pradesh twin train derailment : 27 killed

Reports said all passengers have been rescued by Wednesday morning.

Six coaches of the Kamayani Express running from Mumbai to Varanasi derailed at around 11:30 pm while crossing a culvert near the Machak river close to Harda, about 160 kilometres from Bhopal, the state's capital.

Minutes later, an engine and four coaches of the Janata Express, going to Mumbai from Jabalpur, derailed.

The Madhya Pradesh government said among those who have died are 10 women and five children.

Reports quoted a  railway official as saying that water flooding the tracks entered the derailed coaches.

Railway Chairman AK Mittal said a flash flood caved the tracks as the soil shifted. The surge of water had weakened the culvert, which collapsed, he said.

Even 10 minutes before the accident the tracks were intact and many trains had passed safely, Mittal said.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have mourned the loss of lives due to the twin derailment.

"#PresidentMukherjee condoles loss of lives due to derailment of the Kamayani Express & Janata Express in Madhya Pradesh," President of India's official Twitter page posted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased."

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted: "Enquiry ordered,Ex gratia to be paid immediately.Flooding of tracks due to very heavy downpour.Will make detailed statement to parliament."

People who live near the accident site swung into action to rescue the trapped passengers. Rescue teams delayed  because heavy rain.

Reports said at about 7.30 am on Wednesday, most of the people trapped in the derailed coaches had been rescued. The unaffected coaches of the two trains were detached and moved to Itarsi.

Three special trains took doctors and rescue teams to the accident site.