Train Derails Near Bengaluru In Southern India, Killing At Least 10 And Injuring Over 60 People

At least 10 passengers were killed and over 100 injured after nine bogies of a train derailed in the southern part of India on Friday. The train was traveling from Bengaluru in the southern state of Karnataka to Ernakulam in the neighboring state of Kerala.

The accident reportedly occurred after a boulder fell on the track near Anekal, which lies on the border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Rescue operations continue at the site, where medical teams were rushed for assistance, local reports said. Health desks were also reportedly set up at the Bengaluru City Railway Station and at the accident spot.

The exact number of people killed in the mishap was not immediately clear as local reports cited different numbers.

“Rescue and relief teams have rushed to the spot along with senior officials to shift the injured to private and state-run hospitals at Anekal and Hosur, as dozen of them are reported to be in serious condition,” a railway official said, according to IANS, a local news service, adding: "An expert team has rushed to the spot to find out what caused the derailment as two bogies telescoped into each other on impact."

India's Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said, according to NDTV: “Unfortunate rail accident in Karnataka,Boulder fell on track in Ghat section, train hit it. Directed all (senior) officers to rush with full help,” adding: “I am on way to Bangalore to visit the accident site to help all stranded. All possible help will be rendered to the families affected."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his condolences to the families of the victims.