Patna-Indore Express tragedy: MP CM announces ex-gratia, free treatment to injured

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], Nov. 20 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh for the families of deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those critically injured in the Patna-Indore Express derailment that took place early this morning. "The families of the deceased will be given Rs. two lakh and Rs. 50,000 will be given to the critically injured. The state government is in constant touch with the rail authorities. Chhatarpur SP, Collector, rescue team, a medical team has been rushed to the accident spot. The injured will be given free treatment. A team of doctor will go there to take care of the patients," Chouhan told ANI. "We have started a relief control room in Bhopal whose number is 1079. We will provide help and assistance through this number. A control room has also been constituted in Chhatarpur whose number is 07682 241500. In this hour of crisis, the state government is with the families of the deceased. We will try to decrease their pain," he added. Meanwhile, a help desk has been set up at the Patna railway station to assist the family members of those onboard in the Patna-Indore Express. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed in the train tragedy. The Prime Minister also announced Rs. 50,000 as compensation to the survivors. Meanwhile, the casualty rose to 95 even as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operation at the spot. At least 153 people have been injured so far after the train derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection in Uttar Pradesh at 3.20 a.m. Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha has ordered for a high-level probe into the incident. (ANI)