Army & navy called in to save 700 people stranded on flooded train in India (VIDEOS, PHOTOS)
Hundreds of passengers in India spent over 15 hours without food or drinking water after their train got stuck in a giant lake created by torrential rain. Army and navy units were deployed to the scene.
The long-distance Mahalaxmi Express left Mumbai for Kolhapur in India’s western coastal Maharashtra state on Friday night, but managed to travel just 60km before getting stuck in the downpour. Around 700 passengers instantly became stranded as the field in which the train stopped turned into a large lake.
The trapped travelers recorded cellphone videos, pleading for help. They told local media that they had no food or drinking water for 15 hours. The passengers also said the train was surrounded from all sides by five to six feet of water.
#WATCH Maharashtra: Mahalaxmi Express held up between Badlapur and Wangani with around 2000 passengers. Railway Protection Force & City police have reached the site where the train is held up. NDRF team to reach the spot soon. pic.twitter.com/0fkTUm6ps9
— ANI (@ANI) July 27, 2019
The authorities warned people not to leave the train on their own due to dangerously high levels of rainwater.
@IAF_MCC Mi 17 Helicopter with Commanding Officer of @adgpi 25 AD Kalina onboard doing Arial recce and providing assistance to stranded passengers pic.twitter.com/oMSDK0RT0v
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) July 27, 2019
Two military helicopters and several navy and army teams were deployed to the scene along with emergency services.
More Arial footage.. @IAF_MCC#MahalaxmiExpresspic.twitter.com/lPuaj7JNuG
— Vivek Gupta News18 (@imvivekgupta) July 27, 2019
The rescuers used inflatable rafts to evacuate the passengers. As of 3pm local time, some 600 people, including nine pregnant women, were taken to safety at the nearest railway station.
Overflow in Ulhas river caused flooding in Ambernath-Badlapur section of Maharashtra.More then 500 passengers evacuated from stranded 17411 Mahalakshmi Exp. Remaining passengers will be evacuated soon.Teams of NDRF, Railway,state Govt.&Fire brigade are working in full swing. pic.twitter.com/PX9C9xOwvb
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) July 27, 2019
Heavy rains have stalled traffic in Mumbai. Dozens of trains were canceled or diverted in the area.
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