Uttar Pradesh, 20 August: Fourteen coaches of the Utkal Express derailed in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh last evening, killing at least 23 people. The train was coming from Puri in Odisha and going to Haridwar in Uttarakhand when it jumped rails near Khatauli town around 6 PM. About 100 people were injured in the incident and they have been admitted to different hospitals. The local administration and Railway personnel carried out rescue and relief operations with the help of National Disaster Response Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary of State police.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said in a tweet that the rescue operations have been completed, and the restoration work has commenced. He said, he has directed Railway Doctors to ensure best possible medical help to the injured. The Railway Minister has also ordered an inquiry into the incident. He said, strict action will be taken against any lapse. Mr Prabhu has also announced an ex-gratia of 3 lakh 50,000 rupees each for the kin of those who lost their lives in the derailment. He also announced 50,000 rupees each for those who were seriously injured and 25,000 for those with minor injuries.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also announced financial assistance of two lakh rupees each for the kin those killed and 50,000 for the injured.
