Indore-Patna train tragedy: MoS Railways hints at fractured track for derailment

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Nov.20 (ANI): Minister of State (MoS) for Railways Manoj Sinha, who today visited the site where the Indore-Patna Express train derailed this morning, said the railway track was fractured which forced the train to skid off. "It seems that the rail track was fractured leading to the derailment of the train. The Loco Inspector was the first one to realise that the train was skidding off, but before he could do anything the tragedy took place. A team of mechanical engineers would be investigating to find out the exact reason behind the incident. I have also directed a high-level committee to probe the matter," Sinha said. He said that additional medical relief vehicles from Jhansi and Kanpur have been deployed. Sinha further said that a special train has been scheduled to carry the injured passengers to Patna. "And since the train departed from Madhya Pradesh, if anyone desires to go back, for them a special train will also be scheduled," he added. More than 150 passengers have been injured when 14 coaches of the train derailed at around 3 a.m. near Pukhrayan, about 100 kilometers from Kanpur. The Railways has announced ex-gratia of 3.5 lakh rupees each for families of those killed, 50,000 rupees for seriously injured and 25 thousand rupees for minor injury. The Railways has announced ex-gratia of 3.5 lakh rupees each for families of those killed, 50,000 rupees for seriously injured and 25 thousand rupees for minor injury. Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has also ordered an inquiry into the accident. He said the Commissioner, Railway Safety, will inquire into reasons behind the derailment. (ANI)