5 killed as overbridge falls on coach of a train: Lalu

Katihar, Bihar, Dec 2 (UNI) At least five passengers were killed and 24 injured when the dilapidated portion of an overbridge fell on one of the coaches of the 3071 Up Jamalpur-Howrah super express train near Bhagalpur early this morning, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said.

Earlier, the death toll was feared to be 25.

Mr Prasad, who was here in connection with an election campaign for the Manihari assembly, said that 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.

He announced an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and added a job will be provided to one of their dependents.

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

Meanwhile, railway sources claimed in Patna that ' though the coach was a reserved one, no booking had been done' from Howrah.

The sources said the exact number of passengers was not available as many people travelling in the affected coach might have boarded enroute.

Ed Pls pick suitably from earlier series.

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