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6 killed in AP train mishap

Shireen in Hyderabad

Six passengers were killed and 60 others injured when 14 coaches of the Secunderabad-bound Godavari Express derailed near Kazipet in Andhra Pradesh at 0315 hours today.

According to a South Central Railway spokesman, the train derailed between Ghanpur and Ippaguda in the Kazipet section, about 100 kilometres north-east of Hyderabad.

Five coaches - one air-conditioned first class, one II AC, one general and three sleeper coaches -- were badly damaged.

The SCR has confirmed the death of six passengers so far.

The injured were given first aid by the paramedical personnel.

The first class AC coach was the worst hit. Out of the 17 passengers travelling in this coach, four died and five are reported safe. "Eight passengers are still trapped inside the coach and we do not know about their fate," said the SCR spokesman.

The trapped passengers include Secondary Education Minister Devineni Venkataramana, his personal assistant, his personal secretary and one of his two gunmen. A senior IAS officer, Priyadarshi Dash is also said to be among the trapped passengers.

The SCR spokesman said that railway traffic on the Kazipet sector has been affected due to the derailment. Both the up and down tracks were affected, obstructing the passage of trains on the route.

The SCR general manager and other officials, along with medical and paramedical staff, rushed to the accident spot by a special train in the early hours.

Rescue and relief teams were also rushed from Kazipet.

The stranded passengers of the ill-fated train are being brought to Secunderabad by a special train.

The SCR authorities have also hired 30 Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses to bring the stranded passengers of other trains such as Dakshin Express and Charminar Express to Secunderabad.

The cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained.

Railway Minister Nitish Kumar is also rushing to the accident spot, according to SCR officials.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Along with senior officials, is also visiting the accident site.

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