Mathura, Oct. 21 (ANI): A rescue operation was in full swing at the train accident site at Mathura in which at least 22 persons reportedly died and many others suffered injuries.

The accident occurred in the wee hours of the morning on Wednesday when the New Delhi-bound Goa Express rammed into the rear part of a stationary train, Mewar Express at 5.00 a.m (local time) near Mathura, officials said.

The impact of the collision left a couple of compartments of the trains mangled, and rescue workers used cutting machines to reach passengers trapped inside.

Rescue personnel say there still may be bodies trapped in and under the mangled compartments.

“Rescue operation is almost complete. Now the restoration operation is being conducted by the Railways. Our priority is to search for the bodies and inform the families,” said B Paulson, Mathura’s Senior Superintendent of Police.

Security personnel were pressed into service and some locals and passengers helped the rescue operation.

“Army has helped a lot in the rescue operations. Moreover, the role of locals is also worth praising,” said Mohammed Azharuddin, former cricket captain and a Member of Parliament.

A passenger who had a narrow escape recounted his ordeal after reaching the Indian capital, New Delhi.

“About 4.15am, when we were asleep, there was a sudden collision and we felt that the train had derailed or it had collided with another train. There was an emergency window near our seats and I pushed myself out of it. As I looked back I saw the engine of the Goa Express had rammed into a ladies’ compartment, a compartment for physically disabled persons and the guards’ cabin. My compartment was safe,” said an unidentified passenger.

Injured passengers were rushed to nearby hospitals.

It was not immediately clear how the two trains came to be on the same tracks. (ANI)