23 dead, 36 injured as Hirakhand Express derails in Andhra Pradesh: Indian Railways

New Delhi [India], Jan. 22 (ANI): At least 23 people were killed and several others injured nine coaches and the engine of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Express ran off the tracks near Kuneru station in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh late Saturday night. Indian Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena confirmed this news to ANI. The incident took place around 11 pm when the train was going to Bhubaneswar. "This incident took place in Vijayanagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. 23 people are dead reportedly and 36 people are injured," he said. Saxena further said that Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is constantly monitoring the situation and is giving orders. "Our officials have reached on the spot. As of now, our efforts are to run this operation as soon as possible so that injured people get benefit of it. We will investigate the reason for the train derailment," he added. In the wake of the accident, seven express trains and few passenger trains have also been diverted. The Ministry of Railways has also issued the following helpline numbers. Helpline numbers at Rayagada: 06856-223400, 06856-223500 ,09439741181, 09439741071, 07681878777. Helpline numbers at Vizianagaram: Railway numbers: 83331, 83332, 83333, 83334, 08922-221202, 08922-221206, 08500358610, 08500358712. Helpline numbers at Visakhapatnam: Railway numbers: 83003, 83005, 83006, 0891-2746344, 0891-2746330. (ANI)