Mumbai: At least 20 people were killed and 100 others were injured when the engine and eight bogies of Mangalore-Mumbai Matsyagandha Express derailed over a bridge between Veer and Karanjadi stations, about 200 km from Mumbai.

"20 people have been killed and 100 injured in the accident," Railway Minister Laloo Prasad told reporters in Kolkata.

The Railway Minister, who was in Kolkata in connection with an official programme, cancelled his engagements and was rushing to the accident site along with Railway Board members to personally supervise the relief and rescue work.

Laloo said, in case negligence was found to be the cause of the mishap, strict action would be taken against the guilty. "We want to see whether precautions had been taken in the area which is a remote hilly region," he said.

Laloo said that heavy rains in the area apparently led to landslide which caused the accident.

Describing the accident as unfortunate, Laloo said that Rs one lakh would be paid to the families of those killed and Rs 15,000 to those injured in the mishap.

Laloo also ordered an inquiry into the accident by the Commissioner, Railways Safety, Western Region.

Chairman of Railways Board R K Singh, to a question on the possibility of a sabotage, said in Kolkata, "It would not be right to rush to any conclusion but heavy rain could be one of the factors as boulders get displaced during rainy season."

D Raja Ram, General Manager, Konkan Railways, who was on his way to the mishap spot, said, "The accident occurred at around six hrs (IST) when the locomotive jumped the rails and fell into the riverbed."

There has been downpour in the area in the last few days and bad weather could be one of the reasons for the accident, the officials said.

A helpline on 0832-2703950 has been set at Madgaon.

The helpline numbers for Mumbai are 022-27579938/39 and 022-27572685.