At least 28 people have been killed and 25 others injured as two passenger trains derailed minutes apart while crossing a bridge on the swollen Machak river between Khirkiya and Harda stations in Madhya Pradesh.

The dead passengers included 11 women and five children. More than 300 people have been rescued from the accident site, while over 25 people have been reported missing. Rescue and relief operations are underway.

The accident took place around 11:30 on Tuesday night when Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express and Mumbai-bound Janata Express were crossing the bridge. Some coaches of the trains also fell into the river.

Many trains on the route have been cancelled or diverted following the accident.

Also Check Photos of Madhya Pradesh Twin Train Accident

"Seven bogies of Kamayani Express and engine plus three coaches of Janata Express were derailed between Khirkiya and Bhirangi stations near Harda," PTI quoted West Central Railway PRO Piyush Mathur as saying.

"The mishap took place around11.30 PM on Tuesday as base material of the tracks got washed away in heavy rains," Mathur said.

"Kamayani Express, which runs between Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus station to Varanasi Junction in Uttar Pradesh, was derailed around midnight near Khiriya village in Harda district, about 160 km from here," Superintendent of Police Prem Babu Sharma told IANS.

Janata Express derailed just minutes after Kamayani Express met with the accident, spokesperson for the West Central Railway IB Siddiqui told IANS. "The engine and at least one of the bogies of Janata Express have fallen into the river," Siddiqui added.

Medical teams were rushed to the spot immediately after the accident. "More than 150 people carrying technical equipment sent by Army at the spot of MP twin train derailment for rescue operations," ANI reported.

"Local villagers,Admn r also in rescue operation. Everything that's necessary and possible being done.Constant in touch with CM MP&Rail off," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said in a tweet.

The Indian Railways has ordered inquiry into the accident. Commissioner Railway Safety (central zone) will head the inquiry, Saxena told PTI. Although flash floods seem to be the prima facie reason behind the accident, the real cause will be ascertained after the inquiry is over.

Railway Board Chairman AK Mittal had said that the tracks were intact when other trains crossed the bride just 10 minutes before the accident took place.

"10 minutes back at this spot train movement was normal,there was no problem, it appears suddenly flash flood came in 10 mins time," Mittal told ANI.

Suresh Prabhu has also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to family of deceased, Rs 50,000 to critically injured and Rs 25,000 to the injured passengers.

Updates from 5 August:

1:30 pm:

12:32 pm:

12:13 pm:

12:10 pm:

11:46 am:

11:45 am:

11:44 am:

10:37 am:

10:34 am:

10:08 am: The death toll in twin train derailment rises to 28.

HELPLINE NUMBERS: The Indian Railways have released a set of helpline numbers. For Harda: 09752460088, Bhopal: 07554061609, Mumbai: 0222528005, Bina: 075802222 and 07580222580, Thane: 0225334840, Itarsi: 0758422419200, Patna: 83288 and 06122206967, according to news reports.

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