1 dies, 15 hurt as landslide damages Mangalore-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express

Mangalore - One person died, another was seriously injured and 14 more were hurt as boulders crashed into two coaches of the Mangalore-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express near Karwar on Monday evening.

The deceased woman identified as Shaini (30) hail from neighbouring state Kerala, while the injured are identified as Celestine Narone Udupi, Adarsh Bhat Mangalore, Anusha Shetty Mangalore, Swarna Mangalore, Arya Kotyan Kerala, Tejas Bhat Mangalore, Sudarshan Shett Udupi, Vijeta Shett Udupi, Ajesh Udupi, G Marshal Sequera Mangalore, Prajesh Kerala, Sunil Kerala, Damudaran Kerala.

The landslide occurred between Amdalli and Thodor stations bordering Ankola and Karwar talukas in Uttar Kanara district of neighbouring Karnataka.

Sources said that at around 7pm, boulders loosened due to heavy rain in the region came rolling down the hillock and crashed into the running train.

The injured passengers were rushed to the government hospital in Karwar and to INS Patanjali, the navy hospital there. The deceased and the seriously injured were near the door, sources said.

"Two coaches of the train were affected and will be replaced at Karwar," Baban Ghatge, public relations manager, Konkan railway corporation (KRC), told media.

The train is presently at Karwar waiting for the two damaged coaches to be replaced, sources said. They added that coaches were being rushed from Margao.

Matsyagandha Express was travelling from Mangalore to Mumbai.

Source : TOI - Nov 9,2010