37 killed as bridge collapses over running train

Bhagalpur, Dec 2 (UNI) At least 37 passengers were killed and about 55 injured when the dilapidated portion of a road overbridge collapsed on the running 3071 Up Jamalpur-Howrah super express train near Bhagalpur railway station here in Jamalpur-Sahibganj section under Malda Division of Eastern Railway early today.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad confirmed the death of five people and said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Eastern Railway General Manager S S Khurana said the toll was likely to increase and relief and rescue operations were on in full swing.

Altogether 32 bodies had been retrieved so far from the debris, while five people succumbed to their wounds in a local hospital.

The injured passengers were undergoing treatment in civil hospital in Bhagalpur.

Train services in the section have remained suspended since the accident occurred.

Mr Prasad, who was in Katihar in connection with campaign for the Manihari assembly byelection, said 24 people were injured in the mishap while four were still trapped under the debris.

He said the accident occurred due to ''sheer negligence'' and ordered the dismissal of the railway engineers concerned.

In Patna, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the train accident in Bhagalpur was an example of ''negligence'' of the railways and announced the state government would take lawful action in this connection.

Holding Mr Prasad directly responsible for the accident, Mr Kumar told reporters that the railways had set aside all rules and norms for dismantling the overbridge.

''The Minister concerned, instead of taking care of the passengers, was busy elsewhere,'' he charged.

Mr Kumar said the district administration was prompt in rescue operation of the trapped passengers and all arrangements for treatment of the injured had been made at a local hospital. He said the Railway ministry was bound to pay the compensation for the damage to the property and the injured people.

The chief minister said the collapsed bridge should have been dismantled under direct supervision of the railways.

Mr Prasad announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased, adding a job will be provided to one of their dependents.

He said the injured were being given free treatment at hospitals.

Mr Prasad asked the railway officials to book the contractor engaged to dismantle the dilapidated portion of the overbridge that crumbled over the train.

Railway sources said that on orders from the minister, the Railway Safety Commissioner (Eastern Zone) would conduct the enquiry.

UNI BNG PA AT RK1845