Railway is responsible for the train accident: Nitish

Patna, Dec 2 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today 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 Railway Minister Lalu Prasad directly responsible for the accident, Mr Kumar told reporters here that the railways had set aside all rules and norms for dismantling the overbridge.

''The Minister concerned was rather busy elsewhere than taking care of the passengers of the railways,'' 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 minsitry was bound to pay the compensation for the damage to the property and the injured people.

The chief minister said the collapsed as the train was under should have been dismantled under direct suypervision of the railways.

UNI RS PC VD VV1425