Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu orders inquiry into train derailment

New Delhi, Feb 13: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Friday ordered an inquiry into the derailment of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express and announced a compensation for the families of those killed in the mishap.

An inquriy into the mishap will be conducted by Commissioner (Railway Safety), he said. "Unfortunate rail accident in Karnataka, Boulder fell on track in Ghat section, train hit it. directed all sr officers to rush with full help," Prabhu tweeted.

Expressing grief over the mishap, the minister announced a compensation of Rs two lakhs for the families of the deceased.

While Rs 50,000 would be given to those severely injured, Rs 20,000 would be given to those who suffered simple injuries. Prabhu has rushed to the site along with Chairman Railway Board.

Ten passengers were killed and more than 60 injured, some of them critically when the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed near Anekal.

Railway officials said about nine coaches have been derailed in the mishap that occurred between Anekal-Hosur on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at around 7.40 am.

PTI