Eight coaches of Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday leaving at least 10 passengers injured, railway officials said.
The accident happened between Mundapandey and Rampur railway stations, Northern railway spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said.
He said there was no casualty in the accident.
The cause of derailment is yet to be ascertained.
Railways announced Rs 50,000 as compensation to those injured in Rajya Rani Express derailment.
Expressing grief over the derailment, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced compensation worth Rs 50,000 each for the severely injured and Rs 25,000 each for the injured.
The chief minister has also instructed state cabinet minister Baldev Aulakh to extend all possible help to the injured.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has also ordered an inquiry into the derailment saying that strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
Prabhu also said he was personally monitoring the situation and has directed the senior officers to rush to the spot.
‘Personally monitoring situation. Directed senior officers to rush to the spot.Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations (sic),’ he wrote on Twitter.
He said strict action will be taken against those found guilty.
Moradabad Divisional Railway Manager has reached the spot to oversee the rescue and relief operations. A medical team has also reached, Sharma said.
Earlier, police officials in Rampur had said 15 passengers were injured and rushed to hospital.
Rail traffic on the route was affected due to derailment of the coaches, as informed by Director General (PR) (Railways) Anil Saxena.
“Because of this accident one line is blocked, so traffic will be disrupted on this line, the other line is functional, and we will try to take traffic from the other line. However, the relief and rescue operation is under control,” Saxena said.
With inputs from ANI.
Photograph: ANI
Source: Rediff