Rajya Rani Express derailment: 10 passengers injured, police say ‘cannot rule out sabotage’
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the Meerut-Lucknow train mishap and promised strict action against any lapse.
At least 10 passengers suffered injuries after eight coaches of the Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express got derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning, reported ANI. Although authorities have yet to assess the situation completely, it is likely that the number of passengers injured will rise, according to India Today.
The mishap took place around 8.15 am near a bridge over Koshi river between Rampur and Mundapanda. Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railways Neeraj Sharma told ANI that a rescue train had been sent to the spot, and all stranded passengers were taken to their destination. Train services along the route has been restored after a temporary disruption.
Rampur Superintendent of Police KK Chaudhri told PTI that “sabotage cannot be ruled out” as a three-feet portion of the railway track was found broken, with some parts missing, where the train got derailed. But a railway official in New Delhi said that prima facie, the derailment seemed to have been caused by a track fracture. “The reason of the fracture can be ascertained through investigation only,” the official said.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the derailment. “Strict action will be taken against any lapse,” he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath announced a Rs-50,000 compensation for those seriously wounded and Rs 25,000 each those with minor injuries. Prabhu, too, announced a Rs-50,000 ex-gratia for the seriously injured.
This is the second train accident reported in the state in the past fortnight. On March 30, 50 people were injured after eight coaches of the Jabalpur-Nizamuddin Mahakaushal Express got derailed in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh. In January, the Bhubaneswar Express met with a similar accident in Vizianagaram, killing 32 passengers and injuring more than 50.