PM, President condole loss of lives in Rajdhani Express mishap
Modi said he is praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.
"The Prime Minister is in touch with the Railway Minister, who has updated the Prime Minister on the relief work at the accident site," said a government release.
The President expressed grief and sorrow over the accident.
In a message, Mukherjee said: “I am saddened to learn about the derailment of a train near Chhapra this morning, in which some persons have lost their lives and many others are injured."
"I call upon the State Government and Railway authorities to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured.
"I am sure authorities will be also taking necessary measures to urgently investigate the cause of the incident and put in place necessary remedial measures,” he said.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also condoled the incident and said: “I am grieved at the tragic accident of Dibugarh Rajdhani Express near Chapra railway station today.
"I express my heartfelt condolence to the families of the passengers who lost their lives in the accident. I wish an early recovery for the injured."
At least five people were killed and over nine others were injured when the New Delhi-Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express derailed near Chapra town at Saran district in Bihar early Wednesday.
According to reports, at around 2.15 am, nine coaches of the train derailed and overturned around 75 km from Patna, while seven other coaches and the power car went off track.
Most passengers were sleeping when the incident occurred.
The Railways Ministry said it suspects that the Maoists triggered a blast on the tracks resulting in the derailment of the train.
"Reasons are said to have been sabotage and there was a bandh called by Maoists," Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The police reportedly found three bombs about 20 km from Chapra on Wednesday morning though they are yet to link it with the derailment incident.
The train started from New Delhi at 9.30 pm on Tuesday.
The Railways Ministry has announced Rs. 2 lakh compensation for those killed, and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
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