Kokata (West Bengal) [India], July 18 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday questioned the Central government over the safety and security of passengers after Dibrugarh Express train derailed in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda.
She also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the injured.
Two people died and 31 got injured after Chandigarh-Dibrugarh express derailed near Gonda station in between Motiganj and Jhilahi railway station under the jurisdiction of North Eastern Railway at about 2:37 hrs on Thursday.
“Sad to know of another tragic rail accident today, at Gonda, UP! Another derailment of train, this time of Chandigarh- Dibrugarh Express!,” she said in a post on X.
“What are the railway authorities doing!! What is the Government of India doing !! The safety and security of passengers are paramount !! When will the Government come to their senses ?!,” she further said in the post.
“My condolences to the bereaved families, prayers for the injured,” she added in the post.
After getting information about the Dibrugarh Express derailment, medical team, along with senior officials from the Lucknow division of NER, immediately rushed to the site.
Rescue operations are underway and authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the derailment and are working to restore normal rail operations as swiftly as possible.
Pankaj Singh, CPRO, North Eastern Railway, while speaking to ANI, said, “The medical van of Railways has reached the spot, and rescue operations have started. Helpline numbers have been issued. The helpline number established in Lucknow is – 8957409292 and the helpline number in Gonda is – 8957400965. It happened around 2.37 pm. As per initial info, 4-5 coaches derailed. Our priority is that the relief and rescue work be done as quickly as possible.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Relief Commissioner informed on X that one NDRF team each was sent from Lucknow and Balrampur to Gonda.
“Five ambulances were deployed for rescue operations in the train accident and orders have been given to send more ambulances to the spot. First aid is being given to the injured. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. SDRF teams sent from three districts to expedite relief operations,” it said on X.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Railways has announced ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injury and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries in the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express derailment.
The Ministry of Railways said that in addition to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inquiry, a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the rail derailment accident.
“Ex gratia of Rs. 10 lakhs to the family of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakhs for grievous injury and Rs. 50,000 to the minor injured, has been announced. Apart from the CRS enquiry, a high-level enquiry has been ordered,” as per Ministry of Railways. (ANI)
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