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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Aug 19, 2017, 10:53 PM IST
Fourteen coaches of a high- speed Utkal Express today jumped the rails, with one of them crashing into a house adjacent to the track near Khatauli this evening, claiming at least 23 lives and leaving a large number of passengers injured.
The accident occurred around 5.45 pm near Khatauli town in
this district and left 23 people dead and over 60 injured, the Uttar Pradesh Police said. Khatauli is around 40 km from Muzaffarnagar.
Railway ministry officials in Delhi, however, put the number of dead at 12. The train was coming from Puri in Odisha and going to Haridwar in Uttarakhand, normally a journey of about 36 hours.
Posses of PAC, ATS and NDRF teams, as also sniffer dog squads, were rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations. The injured were shifted to nearby government and private hospitals.
Heavyweight cranes and gas cutters were being used to lift or cut the mangled remains of the coaches and extricate passengers stuck inside.
Large number of local people and villagers were also seen helping out those engaged in the rescue work.
Policemen on the site said one of the derailed coaches had crashed into the wall of a house adjacent to the railway track and some people are feared to be trapped in the debris.
Anand Kumar, ADG (Law and Order), said the team of Anti- Terrorist Squad (ATS) will assist in the rescue measures and also look at any aspect of "sabotage".
When asked by a reporter whether there was any terror angle in the accident, state DGP Sulkhan Singh said so far there was no such information, but "UP ATS will investigate into the causes of the accident."
The coaches damaged were S1 to S10 sleeper class, third AC B1, second AC A1 coach and the pantry.
Muzaffarnagar authorities have set up a control room to assist families of those affected. The numbers are: 0131- 2436918, 0131-2436103 and 0131-2436564.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed extreme pain over the derailment and said the Railway Ministry and the state government were doing everything possible and providing all assistance required.
He said the situation was being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry.
At least 10 passenger trains on the busy route were diverted following the accident, a Northern Railway release said.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry into the derailment. He said he was personally monitoring the situation and strict action will be taken in case of any lapse.
Prabhu also announced Rs 3.5 lakh ex-gratia for those who lost their lives, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who received minor injuries.
Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 for those injured.
In a series of tweets, Prabhu said that Minister of State Manoj Sinha has rushed to the spot while the Chairman of Railway Board and Member Traffic have been asked to oversee rescue and relief operations.
Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 45 personnel each, and two canines have been mobilised to the accident site from their base in Ghaziabad.
Medical vans have also been rushed to the site.
"All efforts being taken to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations," Prabhu said.
The Railway Ministry was also in close touch with the Uttar Pradesh government to coordinate rescue and relief operations.
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said that top priority was being accorded to ensure prompt rescue and relief work.
Meanwhile, Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said, "Initially, we thought that it was only 4-5 coaches, now we have ascertained that 14 coaches have derailed. As of now our focus is on rescue and not on finding reasons for the accident."
Since darkness was impeding rescue operations, he said the power department officials had been directed to ensure that there was no shortage of electricity.
Kumar also said IMA chapters in Meerut zone have been alerted and asked to ensure adequate and prompt medical care to the injured.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath enquired about the accident and directed officials to take all possible action, an official spokesperson said.
Adityanath has directed two of his ministers -- Suresh Rana and Satish Mahana -- to reach the site to expedite rescue and relief operations.
#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 (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
The Yogi Adityanath government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to families of those died in the derailment and Rs 50,000 to each injured.
Around 100 pax were coming to Haridwar, 10 coach relief train is being run from Saharanpur: MK Singh, Station Master Haridwar #Muzaffarnagar pic.twitter.com/G8EP9SEnzQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
The Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Sulkhan Singh said 23 passengers were killed and 40 injured in the derailment. Twelve bogies, including the pantry van were derailed. According to sources, the train was running at a speed of 105 kmph at the time of the derailment. Passengers who survived claimed that the driver of the train had applied the emergency break for some unknown reasons. -
The impact was so great, that a coach flew in the air before crashing into a house - Inputs by Srawan Shukla
UP Police re-issues press note, clarifies 23 killed and 40 injured in Muzaffarnagar train derailment accident.
UP Police re-issues press note, clarifies 23 killed and 40 injured in #Muzaffarnagar train derailment accident. pic.twitter.com/IpvCyqVCXW
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
The number of injured figure (400) as typed in the note is by mistake. We will post the correct figure soon: DGP PRO Rahul Srivastava
The number of injured figure (400) as typed in the note is by mistake. We will post the correct figure soon: DGP PRO Rahul Srivastava pic.twitter.com/rPovN4ydDQ
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
Just In: UP Police confirms 23 killed, over 400 injured
#Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Repair work was underway at the track
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
say sources
11 dead bodies and 65 injured brought to Khatauli hospital: UP Principal secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar #Muzaffarnagar
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
Sad at train derailment in UP; my thoughts are with deceased & their families. Injured are being rescued & provided relief #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 19, 2017
Thirty-five ambulances, 1,000 food packets, including bread and butter, private and state buses have been sent. In addition, volunteers have been mobilised from Meerut. Medical colleges, district hospital and a number of private hospitals, too, have prepared themselves to receive patients.
Meanwhile, the NDRF has dispatched four teams enroute to the site of the accident. Of these, three teams have come from Ghaziabad and one from New Delhi. The first team left at 6.36 pm, 40 minutes after the accident was announced. The fourth team left New Delhi at 7.25 pm. - Inputs from Sumit Kumar Singh
Extremely pained by derailment of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with families of the deceased. Railways Ministry & UP government are doing everything possible & providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment: PM Modi.
Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
I wish those injured a speedy recovery. The situation is being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
Railways Ministry & UP Government are doing everything possible & providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017
PM is monitoring it, has talked to Railway Minister and UP CM. MLA from Odisha Ravi Naik will visit spot: Dharmendra Pradhan #Muzaffarnagar pic.twitter.com/dacJMfU0Gc
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
14 coaches got derailed. At this stage nothing can be said about the cause of accident: Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena #Muzaffarnagar pic.twitter.com/l2yimQIAmL
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
14 coaches got derailed. At this stage nothing can be said about the cause of accident: Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena #Muzaffarnagar pic.twitter.com/l2yimQIAmL
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
Railway Minister announces ex gratia of 3.5 lakh for those who lost their lives, Rs.50,000 for seriously injured. Rs 25,000 ex gratia for people with minor injuries.
Shocked to know about the unfortunate accident of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts with the families who lost their loved ones: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Twitter.
Shocked to know about the unfortunate accident of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts with the families who lost their loved ones
— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) August 19, 2017
Indian Railways release emergency helpline number for detail information.
#Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Indian Railways release emergency helpline number for detail information. pic.twitter.com/r1nV1Y0r6l
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
No exact numbers on casualties. Our two ministers Satish Mahana and Suresh Rana sent to the spot: Yogi Adityanath,UP CM #Muzaffarnagar pic.twitter.com/DCdBRy7aWf
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
More than 50 injured. ATS sent there as precautionary measure, no confirmation of terrorism angle: Anand Kumar, ADG Law & Order while speaking to ANI.
Unfortunate incident, we are in constant touch with the Rail Ministry: UP CM Yogi Adityanath on #Muzaffarnagar train derailment. pic.twitter.com/hVHw1T7WnN
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
Eight passengers were killed and over 40 injured when over eight bogies of Haridwar-bound 18477 Utakal Express (Puri-Haridwar) derailed near Khatauli Railways Station in Muzzafarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh.
The derailment took place at 5.50 pm, about 200 metres from Khatauli Railway Station on Meerut-Saharapur section. Railway authorities, however, confirmed only two deaths. A Railway spokesperson said that so far 34 injured have been rushed to local hospital.
Before the Railway could reach, locals started the rescue operations taking out trapped passengers. The impact of derailment was so severe that tracks were uprooted at many places. Many bodies and passengers are still trapped inside the cluttered bogies.
A team of Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) under senior officer Anoop Singh has been rushed to Khatauli to begin the probe. A team of NDRF, Railway Relief and Medical van has also been rushed.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the Home Secretary and the DGP to make all possible arrangements to rescue and personally supervise the relief operations. The IG railways has also been rushed to the spot.
Routes of about two dozen trains have been diverted following the derailment which has affected Merrut-Saharanpur-Ambala route. Initial inquiries revealed that the track was under repair and despite that trains were allowed to pass on the track. - Updates by Srawan Shukla
At least 10 people killed and 150 injured, says a government official to Reuters.
9 PAC Companies issued orders to immediately reach Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar to extend help in Relief and Rescue operations: ANI
Ambulances at the #Muzaffarnagar train derailment site in Uttar Pradesh; NDRF teams mobilized, UP ATS has also left for the spot: ANI
Ambulances at the #Muzaffarnagar train derailment site in Uttar Pradesh; NDRF teams mobilized, UP ATS has also left for the spot pic.twitter.com/4V8pvZGi28
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
Visuals from the spot
#Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Visuals from the spot. pic.twitter.com/elpWhkIbbx
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
The Railway Minister has ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause for the accident. Strict action will be taken against any lapse.
Uttar Pradesh Train Derailment: First NDRF team with 44 rescuers & 2 search dogs to reach derailment site in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
Sad incident, injured passengers will be given complete treatment. Directions issued for all possible assistance: UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Reports by various media outlets suggest that at least five people have died so far in the incident
As per reports, there are injuries to a few passengers. DM Muzaffarnagar about to reach the train derailment site:CPRO, Northern Railways pic.twitter.com/NaDiE0kKqJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2017
"Medical vans have been rushed to the site. All efforts being taken to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations. Have instructed Chairman of the Railway Board, Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations. I am personally monitoring situation. Have instructed General Manager, other senior officers to ensure all possible help to the people," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in a series of Tweets
Saxena while spekaing to ANI also said that it was too early to determine any authentic information on casualties at the moment\
The Uttar Pradesh police have given a series of numbers to contact in case a friend or relative is missing.
#UtkalExpress #uppolice pic.twitter.com/9OoKSy6a7s
— UP POLICE (@Uppolice) August 19, 2017
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
Anil Saxena of the Indian Railways told ANI that the incident took place at 5.50 pm. "Five coaches have derailed; there could be several injuries."
The incident took place at 5:50 pm today; 5 coaches of the train have derailed, there could be injuries in this: Anil Saxena,Indian Railways pic.twitter.com/oV4VwfJerh
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017
Meanwhile, according to ANI, the UP Anti Terrorism squad is also on its way to the site.
According to Zee News, two people have been killed and 20 injured so far. The numbers are likely to increase. According to ANI, NDRF teams have been mobilised for rescue operations at Khatauli railway station.
