Train Accident Bengal train accident: Toll climbs to 9, 36 injured; Railway Minister reaches site
Kolkata/IBNS: The toll in the train accident that occurred a day ago in West Bengal's Maynaguri has climbed to nine while 36 injured people are in hospital, media reports said.
Officials have said no more passengers are trapped in the Bikaner-Guwahati Express train, whose 12 coaches derailed last evening.
Six of the injured people are in critical condition and they have been shifted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri while the others are being treated in Jalpaiguri and Maynaguri.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has reached the spot.
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke to Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation.
"Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly," the Prime Minister's tweet read.
Spoke to Railways Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation in the wake of the train accident in West Bengal. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover quickly.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 13, 2022
A high-level Commissioner Railway Safety inquiry has been ordered in the accident.
Vaishnaw said he is personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations.
"In an unfortunate accident, 12 Coaches of Bikaner - Guwahati Exp. derailed near New Maynaguri (West Bengal) this evening. Personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations," he wrote in his tweet.
In an unfortunate accident, 12 Coaches of Bikaner - Guwahati Exp. derailed near New Maynaguri (West Bengal) this evening.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 13, 2022
Personally monitoring the situation for swift rescue operations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had tweeted, "Deeply concerned to hear about the tragic accident of the Bikaner-Guwahati Express in Maynaguri. Senior Officers of the State Government, DM/SP/IG North Bengal are supervising rescue and relief operations. Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible," her tweet read.
"Those injured will receive medical attention, as early as possible," she added.
Situation being closely monitored from the State HQs.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 13, 2022
The Railway Minister has announced compensations as Rs. 5 lakh for death, Rs. 1 lakh for "grievous" injuries, and Rs. 25,000 for "minor injuries".
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