WEB DESK
At least five people were killed and more than two dozen injured after 9 coaches including the engine of the New Farakka Express train derailed near Harchandpur railway station in Raebareli this morning. NDRF teams from Lucknow and Varanasi have reached the spot and are helping with the rescue. Local people are also helping them in rescue operation.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced an ex-gratia of 5 lakh rupees for the next of the kin of the deceased in the accident. Mr Goyal has also announced a compensation of 1 lakh rupees for those with serious injuries and 50 thousand rupees for those with minor injuries.
The Minister has directed the railway administration to effectively undertake relief and rescue operation and provide best possible medical help to the injured. ADG(PR) railways, Ms. Smita Vats informed the media that the commissioner of railway safety northern zone will conduct an inquiry into the accident.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced 2 lakh rupees compensation for the deceased and 50000 rupees for the seriously injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the loss of lives due to the rail accident in Raebareli. In a tweet, he said, Uttar Pradesh Government, Railways and NDRF are ensuring all possible assistance at the site of the accident. The Prime Minister offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of the injured.