Muzaffarnagar train derailment: 11 killed, over 30 injured

Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 19 (ANI): The Indian Railways has informed that 14 coaches of the Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli railway station in Muzaffarnagar, adding that at least 11 people have died and over 30 have been injured.

Speaking to ANI here, Director-general and Public Relation Officer of the Indian Railway Anil Saxena said, "14 coaches got derailed. As the result of the accident, there are some casualties and injuries. Till now we have the confirmation of ten deaths in this unfortunate tragedy. 13 people have been taken for their injuries to various hospitals. Some are of them are admitted due to shock also."

He further apprised that from Delhi, Minister of state for railways, Manoj Sinha, Member Traffic, Railway Board Mohammad Jamshed have rushed for the accident site.

"This is addition to the staff from the Delhi division who already had left earlier for the accident site," he said.

Here are the updates so far:

- Fourteen coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailed in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli area

- 11 people have lost their lives till now and over 30 are said to be injured.

- The incident took place around 5:50 pm.

- Indian Railways released emergency helpline number for detail information.

- Nine Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies, a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been rushed to the spot.

- Medical vans have also been rushed to the site

- Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that he has ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause.

- Railway Ministry and Uttar Pradesh Government are working hand in hand, informs Prabhu.

- As per sources repair work was underway at the track.

- MoS Railways Manoj Sinha and BJP leader Sanjeev Balyan are at the site.

- Alternate arrangement is being made for stranded passengers.

-Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the next kin of any Odia passengers killed in the incident. He also announced relief of Rs 50,000 for injured.

- Union Minister of Railway Suresh Prabhu announced ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the next kin, Rs. 50, 000 for those seriously injured and Rs. 25, 000 for people with minor injuries.

- President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed condolences

- Former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed condolences to the grieving kin of the victim. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI