President, PM condole Muzaffarnagar train accident, ex-gratia announced

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3.5 lakh to those killed in the accident while Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have condoled the loss of lives in Muzaffarnagar train accident which has left 10 people dead and around 50 injured.

"Sad at train derailment in UP; my thoughts are with deceased & their families. Injured are being rescued & provided relief," President Kovind said.

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the accident and tweeted, "Shocked to know about the unfortunate accident in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts with families who lost their loved ones."

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3.5 lakh to those killed in the accident while Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured. A compensation of Rs 25,000 has been announced for those with minor injuries.

Railway Ministry spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that 14 coaches of the Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Khatauli near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh.

"14 coaches got derailed. At this stage nothing can be said about the cause of the accident," he said.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condoled the loss of lives in the accident and said his government was in constant touch with the railway ministry.

"Our two ministers Satish Mahana and Suresh Rana have been sent to the spot," he told ANI.

MoS Railways Manoj Sinha has been sent to the accident spot to oversee the relief and rescue operations.

OneIndia News