The East Coast Railway has stated that a thorough investigation is required to ascertain the factors that led to the collision of the Palasa Passenger train with the Rayagada Passenger train in Kantakapalli, Vizianagaram district. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives and left over 50 people injured. As per a TOI report, notably, both trains were not equipped with the railways’ safety system, Kavach. The loco pilot and assistant loco pilot of the Rayagada Passenger train were among the casualties.
