Utkal Express Derails in UP, 23 dead, over 40 injured

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Utkal Express derails in UP’s Muzaffarnagar area on Saturday evening. UP ATS team checking terror angle.

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Another tragedy struck Uttar Pradesh when 14 coaches of Puri-Haridwar Kalinga Utkal Express derailed in UP’s Muzaffarnagar area on Saturday at 5.40 pm killing 23 passengers, according to UP Police. Over 40 passengers have been injured. A few coaches crashed into houses nearby. Several bogies were piled up and relief operations are still on late in the night. 

The incident occurred at Khatuali region. The cause of the derailment is yet to be ascertained.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said he was personally monitoring the situation. He rushed senior officials to the spot to take stock of the situation and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations. A relief train was rushed from New Delhi.

The minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, Rs 50,000 for seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has promised all possible help. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said Railway Ministry and state government are providing all assistance in the wake of tragic incident.

An ATS team has rushed to the spot to check if there was any foul play.

Meanwhile the Congress slammed the Modi government for not taking proper steps for rail safety.

Party spokesperson Ranjit Surjewala said so far 259 passengers have been killed during the present regime. It is time for the Modi government to wake up he said.

Helpline numbers: 0131-2436918/103/564

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