Inquiry into Muri Express derailment ordered; Railways, UP govt announce ex-gratia

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday ordered an inquiry into the cause of the derailment of the Muri Express in Uttar Pradesh and announced ex-gratia for the victims.

The Tata-Jammu Express, known as Muri Express, enroute to Jammu Tawi, derailed between Sirathu and Atsarai railway stations near Kaushambi district in Uttar Pradesh and one of them overturned, killing one woman and injuring six persons, Railway officials said.

The Commissioner, Railway Safety, will conduct the inquiry to ascertain the cause of derailment.

Prabhu expressed grief over the loss of life and injury caused to passengers in the accident, the spokesperson said.

While Rs 2 lakh will be given to the kin of the passenger who died, Rs 50,000 will be given for serious injury and Rs 20,000 for minor injury.

Railway Board Chairman AK Mittal and Member (Engineering), VK Gupta have rushed to the spot to monitor the situation, he said.

The derailment has severely affected rail traffic with 170 passenger and freight trains along the Allhabad-Kanpur route being delayed on Monday.

Railways has set up helpline service to provide information about the victims and train operations along the affected route.

Prabhu has also given instructions for providing best possible medical treatment to the injured passengers.

UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh for the deceased and directed Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan to make available all necessary help to the victims.