New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS): Flash floods due to heavy rains caused the twin train accidents in Madhya Pradesh, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Wednesday.

Making a suo motu statement in the Lok Sabha, Prabhu said that the government has announced compensation of Rs.2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the accident.

He said Rs.50,000 would be given to those grievously injured and Rs.25,000 to those with minor injuries.

"The accident took place late Tuesday and I have been monitoring the situation the whole night. I would shortly leave for the site," he added.

At least 27 people were killed when two trains derailed in quick succession and some coaches fell into a river in Madhya Pradesh's Harda district, authorities said on Wednesday.

One of the trains was the Varanasi-bound Kamayani Express, which met with the accident at about 11.20 p.m. Less than 15 minutes later, the Mumbai-bound Janata Express on the other track also met the same fate - at that very spot.