Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
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The Railways on Thursday, 11 October, suspended two officials after initial probe indicates wrong signal given to the New Farakka Express that derailed near Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh.
At least seven people were killed and nine others seriously injured as nine coaches and the engine derailed on 10 October.
The accident took place in the Harchandpur area of Raebareli district at 6:10 am and around 30-35 people also received minor injuries, he said. The train was on its way from Malda in West Bengal to New Delhi when the accident took place
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the incident.
The injured have been taken to the Harchandpur primary healthcare centre (PHC) and district hospital, and emergency helpline numbers have been set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Mughalsarai.
Sanjeev Kumar, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team commander, said there is no live victim trapped at the accident site.
All up and down lines on the route have been blocked. Officials suspect that the number of casualties may rise. Five trains were cancelled/shortly terminated and nine trains were diverted after the derailment.
Senior officers, including the district magistrate, superintendent of police, CO, sub-divisional magistrate, along with a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team were at the accident site.
The ADG said that the reason for derailment will be known after an Anti-Terrorism Squad is sent for an on-the-spot probe.
Piyush Goyal, Yogi Adityanath Express Condolences
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh compensation for those with serious injuries and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
The minister has ordered an enquiry into the accident, which will be conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle.
Taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had directed the district magistrate, the superintendent of police, health authorities and the NDRF to provide all possible assistance to relief and rescue operations.
The chief minister expressed his condolences for the deceased and announced Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 compensation for those with serious injuries.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)
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