AP govt identifies 571 passengers from Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel

VISAKHAPATNAM: The state government of Andhra Pradesh has identified 482 passengers from the state who booked tickets for the Coromandel Express and 89 for the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast, said transport minister Botsa Satyanarayana on Saturday.

According to the minister, 571 Andhra Pradesh passengers purchased tickets for the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express trains that were involved in the terrible collision in Odisha's Balasore.

In an official statement minister Botsa Satyanarayana said, "482 people from Andhra Pradesh booked tickets to travel on the Coromandel Express. Thirty-nine of these passengers were scheduled to disembark in Visakhapatnam, 31 in Rajahmundry, five in Eluru, and 137 in Vijayawada. We're tracking them down by dialling their phone numbers."

"Of the total 482, 267 passengers are said to be safe, 20 suffered minor injuries, and 82 people cancelled their trains. Around 113 travellers' phones were unreachable or switched off, " he said.

The Minister added, "In addition, 89 people from Andhra Pradesh reserved seats on the Yeswantpur Express bound for Howrah. Among them, 33 from Visakhapatnam, 3 from Rajahmundry, one from Eluru, 41 from Vijayawada, 8 from Bapat and 3 from Nellore. Of the total, 49 passengers are found to be safe, two were injured, 10 people did not board the train. 28 passengers did not pick up their phones/ switched off."

Botsa Satyanarayan said, "There is no confirmation on the death of passengers from Andhra Pradesh. Nothing can be confirmed yet as relief efforts are underway."

A special train from Bhadrak to Chennai carrying passengers who survived the Odisha triple train tragedy reached Visakhapatnam on Saturday evening.

According to the minister, two injured railway passengers have arrived in Visakhapatnam and are being treated at the Seven Hills Hospital. One had a brain injury, and the other had spine damage.

"The hospitals in Ichchapuram-Ongole hospitals have also been notified. We will treat the injured regardless of their identity. 25-108 ambulances and 25 private ambulances had been sent to Odisha. Apart from that, they have prepared a helicopter for use in an emergency or to airlift the dead."

"Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy is reviewing from time to time. All efforts have been made to admit patients to Bhubaneswar Apollo if necessary. We also discussed this with Apollo Hospital. We ask that passengers' family members supply their contact information if necessary, " the minister added.