Train mishap: Prabhu orders probe
TRAGIC Railway minister announces compensation of `2 lakh for families of deceased, `50,000 for injured
NEW DELHI: Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the first major railway accident under his watch in which 10 people were killed and 19 injured after coaches of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Intercity Express derailed near Hosur in Karnataka.
The reason for derailment is yet to be ascertained though Prabhu tweeted on Friday that it was on account of a boulder that fell on the track. “Unfortunate rail accident in Karnataka, Boulder fell on track in Ghat section, train hit it. directed all sr officers to rush with full help (sic),” Prabhu tweeted.
“Ordered enquiry to fix responsibility and for corrective action to prevent such unfortunate accidents. Monitoring action regularly,” the minister tweeted again before leaving for the accident site. Railway board chairman AK Mittal and MK Budhalkoti, director general, health services, accompanied Prabhu to the site to ensure the rescue operation was conducted speedily. The minister later visited the injured in the hospital.
The probe will be conducted by SK Mittal, commissioner, railway safety. Prabhu also announced compensation of `2 lakh for the families of the deceased, `50,000 for those severely injured and `20,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.
PK Saxena, general manager, South Western Railway (SWR), said the commissioner of railway safety had visited the accident spot and was inquiring into the cause of the accident. He added that a thorough investigation would reveal the real cause of derailment. “It is difficult to explain what exactly caused the engine and the coaches to derail without proper investigation,” Saxena told reporters without referring to the boulder aspect.
The sudden accident affected movement of passenger and freight trains on the route throughout Friday. (With agency inputs) Prabhu ordered inquiry into the mishap to be conducted by SK Mittal, commissioner, railway safety Compensation of `2 lakh announced for the families of the deceased `50,000 compensation would be given to those who were severely injured `20,000 compensation to be paid to those who suffered minor injuries