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Patna-Indore Express Tragedy: Railway Minister Announces Ex-Gratia Of ₹3.5 Lakh For Victims' Kin

The accident has claimed over 100 lives and injured more than 150 people.
Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.
AFP/Getty Images
Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

NEW DELHI -- Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of ₹3.5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those critically injured in Patna-Indore Express derailment incident, in which 100 people have lost their lives.

Prabhu also announced compensation of ₹25,000 for those who sustained minor injuries.

The Ministry of Railways tweeted:

The Ministry stated that the stranded passengers are being moved from site to the Malasa station, adding that the injured passengers are moved to the Kanpur Dehat hospital.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have reached the spot and have swung into action along with the police in pulling out bodies and providing aid to the victims.

Rescue operations have been underway since early morning and the death toll is expected to rise, Railway officials said.

Almost 14 coaches of the train derailed in the wee hours today causing the major accident resulting in the severe loss of lives.

The Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers for assistance.

  • Kanpur Rural DM helpline no: 05111-271050
  • Police: 05111-271577
  • Magistrate Hospital duty: 9454416414

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has instructed Principal Secretary Health Arun Kumar Sinha to ensure no shortage of medicines and blood for the treatment of patients from the train accident.

He has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to personally monitor the relief operations.

Prabhu earlier tweeted that an enquiry has been ordered into the accident and that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the bereaved:

Home Minister Rajnath Singh offered his condolences saying he was deeply pained by the loss of lives and that his thoughts are with the bereaved families.

Meanwhile, Railways Ministry spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that several people have been rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, and the casualties may go up.

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Indore-Patna Express Derails; Rescue Operations On

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.