Muzaffarnagar: Several passengers were injured as at least six coaches of Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Uttar Pradesh around 5.30 this evening.
The incident took place near Khautali railway station in Muzaffarnagar, barely 100 kilometres from New Delhi. The train was headed towards Haridwar from Puri.
#WATCH: Visuals from the train derailment site in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli; 6 coaches have derailed. More details awaited #UttarPradesh pic.twitter.com/AiNdfKV7oS
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
According to reports, the derailed coaches got off the track and some also piled up on top of each other.
Though Railway and police are yet to confirm any casualty, sources said 5 passengers are feared killed and 34 injured in the accident. The casualties may rise as several coaches appeared mangled over one another.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted, “I am personally monitoring the situation. I have instructed senior officers to reach the site immediately and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations.”
I am personally monitoring situation.Hv instructed senior officers to reach site immediately and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations https://t.co/OCpgUGhg5y
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
The Railway has also released helpline numbers for getting information about the accident. The numbers are 9760534054 and 5101. Meerut district hospital has also set up a helpline number 94544 55183.
The derailment is likely to affect movement of trains on the busy Northern Railway route.
Meanwhile, Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed concern over loss of life in the derailment and directed commerce and transport department to work in coordination with the Railway and UP government to provide help to the injured and kin of the victims.
The chief minister also announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of any Odia passenger killed in the accident and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Naveen also spoke to Prabhu, who assured all assistance. The chief secretary is also in touch with the Railway authorities, official sources said.
