14 coaches of Utkal Express derail in UP's Muzaffarnagar, 23 dead, over 156 injured

The train was headed from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

At least 23 people were killed and nearly 156 others injured after 14 coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express train derailed on Saturday in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh.

The train was headed from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand. NDRF teams have been mobilized for rescue operation at Khatauli railway station in Muzaffarnagar, reports ANI.

"Around 74 people are injured, admitted in different hospitals," UP Minister Satish Mahana told ANI.

Anand Kumar, ADG Law & Order had earlier said more than 40 injured in the accident. Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorists Squad (ATS) has been rushed to the spot to investigate cause of the derailment.

#Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Visuals from the spot. pic.twitter.com/elpWhkIbbx

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu personally monitoring the situation, the minister tweeted. Senior officers have been instructed to reach site and ensure speedy rescue oprations. The derailment is likely to affect movement of trains on the busy Northern Railway route.

Have instructed Chairman Rly Board,Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations.I am personally monitoring situation

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017

Railway Minister has announced ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 Lakh for those who lost their lives, Rs.50 thousand for seriously injured and Rs 25 thousand for people with minor injuries.

Meerut district hospital opened helpline for Khatauli train derailment victims: +91 94544 55183.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. "My thoughts are with the families of the deceased," says Modi.

Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased: PM

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 19, 2017

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, "Our two ministers Satish Mahana and Suresh Rana have been sent to the spot." "We are in constant touch with the rail ministry," he said.

Ten trains have been diverted due to this accident. Haridwar station master MK Singh said that a relief train has been sent to the site to bring stranded passengers to Haridwar.

#Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Indian Railways release emergency helpline number for detail information. pic.twitter.com/r1nV1Y0r6l

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 19, 2017

Meanwhile, citing callaousness by the authorities, a house owner affected by the tragedy has said that he will file a case against railways.

It took 1.5 hrs for authority to come here. I will either file a case against Railway or it'll have to provide me compensation: House owner pic.twitter.com/fVCQwmr3dj

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) August 20, 2017

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