Kurnool: In one of the worst rail accidents, at least 20 passengers were feared killed and over 100 injured when a Bangalore bound express train from Hyderabad derailed in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh in the wee hours of December 21.

Ten bodies were retrieved so far from one of the nine derailed bogies and casualties might go up as several passengers were trapped inside the coaches, police said.

The train, which left Kachiguda station in Hyderabad at 7.00 pm (IST) on December 20 was speeding at 80 to 100 kms per hour when the derailment occurred near Ramalingayapalli village between Pagidirai and Pendekallu stations, about 90 kms from here, police said.

The rear side bogies of the ill-fated train, including an AC coach, jumped off the rails, police said. Massive rescue operations have been launched by joint police teams of Kurnool and Anantapur districts.

Special buses were being arranged to shift the injured to various hospitals in Gooty, Kurnool and Anantapur.

The state Technical Education Minister N Anjaneyulu, who was travelling by the train is safe, police said.

Top police and railway officials have rushed to the spot to oversee rescue and relief operations.

Most of the passengers were fast asleep when the tragedy struck.

Enquiry counters at Secunderabad and Kachiguda railway station have been opened. The South Central Railway has announced to run a special train, which was expected to leave Kachiguda at 7.30 am (IST) for the accident site.

Arrangements were being made to render assistance to the stranded passengers, SCR sources added.

PTI