23 killed as Utkal Express derails in Uttar Pradesh, rescue ops completed
According to reports, many were trapped inside the train coaches as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel carried out rescue operation with gas cutters.
The derailment occurred at Khatauli in UP's Muzaffarnagar area.
The train was headed from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu informed that the rescue operation has been completed and the injured were shifted to hospital.
Rescue operations have been completed.All injured shifted to hospital. Restoration work will start now.Still monitoring situation closely
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
Earlier in the evening, he ordered an inquiry into the train derailment to ascertain its cause.
Taking it to Twitter, Prabhu wrote:
Have ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause. Strict action will be taken against any lapse
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
He also spoke to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the situation.
Spoke to @CMOfficeUP @myogiadityanath ji. He has directed two UP ministers also to reach the site to expedite rescue and relief operations
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
Spoke to. Hon CM UP @myogiadityanath ji,requesting for rescue op,he's doing all possible We r working closely with all authorities to help
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
NDRF teams were mobilised for rescue operation, officials said.
The official Twitter handle of the NDRF said:
NDRF teams mobilised for rescue operation at Khatauli railway station,Muzaffarnagr, U.P. where train accident took place.
— NDRF (@NDRFHQ) August 19, 2017
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he is "extremely pained" by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar, which left several killed and many injured.
Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
I wish those injured a speedy recovery. The situation is being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
Modi also informed that the Railways Ministry and the UP Government are taking every possible efforts to handle the situation.
Railways Ministry & UP Government are doing everything possible & providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
Suresh Prabhu has also announced compensation for the deceased and injured.
Ex gratia of Rs.3.5 Lakh for those who lost their lives,Rs.50 thousand for seriously injured 1/
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
And Rs.25 thousand for people with minor injuries in the unfortunate accident has being announced 2/
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
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