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Chennai-Mangalore Express Derails, 38 Passengers Injured

Chennai-Mangalore Express Derails, 38 Passengers Injured
Indian bystanders look at the coaches of the derailed Muri Express train near Sirathu some 65kms from Allahabad on May 25, 2015. Two passengers have been killed after seven coaches of the Muri Express derailed near Sirathu in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. AFP PHOTO/SANJAY KANOJIA (Photo credit should read Sanjay Kanojia/AFP/Getty Images)
SANJAY KANOJIA via Getty Images
Indian bystanders look at the coaches of the derailed Muri Express train near Sirathu some 65kms from Allahabad on May 25, 2015. Two passengers have been killed after seven coaches of the Muri Express derailed near Sirathu in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. AFP PHOTO/SANJAY KANOJIA (Photo credit should read Sanjay Kanojia/AFP/Getty Images)

CHENNAI — 39 passengers of Chennai-Mangalore Express were injured after four bogies derailed near Cuddalore in the wee hours today.

The mishap occurred around 2 AM when the four bogies of the Mangalore-bound train jumped the tracks at Puvanur near Vriddhachalam in Cuddalore district, about 200 km from here, police and southern Railway officials said.

Of the 39 injured, 36 were administered first aid while three others were admitted to a hospital in Vriddhachalam, Railway officials said.

Rail traffic was disrupted on the busy route. Several trains were halted at nearby stations. They were later operated on alternative route but were running late, officials added. Senior police officials said the district administration was taking stock of the situation, with steps being taken to make alternative arrangements for some stranded passengers to be ferried to nearest rail and bus terminals to proceed to their respective destinations.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those with severe injuries and Rs 25,000 to persons with simple injuries.

In a statement, she expressed regret over the mishap and wished speedy recovery of the injured. She said four persons were being treated as in-patients at Vriddhachalam and directed Cuddalore district administration to provide required medical and transportation facilities for the injured.

The Railways ordered an inquiry into the derailment and said action would be taken against those responsible.

"Inquiry ordered in derailment... pending that, ordered action on concerned staff responsible for this. Chair Rail board (Railway Board Chairman) on job of restoration", Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted.

He said government had extended all possible help to the injured passengers and wished them a speedy recovery.

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