Bangalore: "Timely action could have saved many lives," claimed Gopi, vice-president of the Karnataka Amateur Athletic Association, who was travelling in the ill-fated train, expressing his unhappiness over the "late response" by the railway authorities.

Gopi, who along with his 24-member contingent had gone to Hyderabad to participate in the National Games, played a samaritan role in the rescue operations.

"We are lucky to be alive and feel good that we have been able to save some lives," the visibly agitated Gopi said.

"With so much of brouhaha made over relief measures by the railway authorities, help came much later. Timely action could have saved many innocent lives," he said.

While rescuing one of their team members Yesudas, who was trapped in a derailed bogie, they found some others who were struggling to extricate themselves and lent a helping hand, Gopi said.

PTI