Train accident: Kerala starts relief measures to bring injured home

The Kerala government on Friday initiated relief measures after the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Intercity Express derailed near Anekal in Karnataka, killing nine passengers, including five from Kerala.

The five have been identified as Ittira Antony (57), Vipin (23), Irshad, George and Aman (9). Antony, a native of Varappuzha near Kochi, and Aman, from Poovathur in Thrissur district, were living in Bengaluru. Vipin, George and Irshad were residents of Palakkad, Thrissur and Kollam, respectively.

The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Department opened helplines in Bengaluru, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. NORKA Development Officer Tresa Thomas was in Bengaluru to coordinate the department’s efforts. She said arrangements were being made to help the injured return home.

“Dedicated bus services are in place, but we are also making alternate arrangements to take them to Kerala,” Thomas told Deccan Herald. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the government was in constant touch with officials in Karnataka. One of Aman’s relative told reporters that the boy and his mother Sharmila were scheduled to arrive in Thrissur for Sharmila's Ayurvedic treatment. Sharmila, who was seriously injured in the accident, is hospitalised.

Antony, grandson of late literary critic M P Paul, was going to Ernakulam to attend a family function. His relatives were informed of his death when they came in to enquire about the accident at a helpline centre at Ernakulam South railway station. Sources said Vipin was returning home having sat for an examination in Delhi. The train had more than 600 passengers headed for stations in Kerala—most of them for Palakkad, Thrissur and Ernakulam.

Apart from local residents, a team of about 20 members of the All India Malayali Association (AIMA) was involved in the rescue efforts. AIMA Karnataka unit secretary Vinu Thomas told Deccan Herald that the location's remoteness posed issues for the rescue teams, and help arrived late.  Kerala Minister in charge of Railways Aryadan Mohammed and Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash are in Bengaluru to monitor rehabilitation efforts.

“There are 22 others hospitalised; their condition is not serious,” Mohammed told reporters.

The Kerala government will extend an interim aid of Rs 25,000 to the families of the dead and the injured. Further assistance will be finalised at a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
DH News Service