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Suresh Prabhu Asks Authorities To Fix Responsibility For UP Train Derailment By The End Of Day

More than 20 people have died.
Emergency workers look for survivors on the wreckage of a train carriage after an express train derailed near the town of Khatauli in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on August 19, 2017.
- via Getty Images
Emergency workers look for survivors on the wreckage of a train carriage after an express train derailed near the town of Khatauli in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on August 19, 2017.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today directed Chairman, Railway Board, to fix responsibility on "prima facie evidence by the end of day" into the derailment of the Utkal Express in Uttar Pradesh.

The minister said he was monitoring the situation closely and that restoration of tracks was his top priority.

Over 20 people died and 156 were injured after 14 coaches of the Utkal Express derailed near Muzaffarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh yesterday evening.

"Restoration is top priority. Seven coaches tackled. Also ensuring best possible medical care for the injured. Monitoring situation closely," he said in a tweet.

"Will not allow laxity in operations by the Board. Have directed CRB to fix responsibility on prima facie evidence by end of day," he tweeted.

The minister, who has been keeping a close tab on the situation since yesterday, directed senior officials and medical personnel to provide assistance to injured passengers and all possible help to relatives of affected passengers.

Prabhu had ordered an inquiry into the derailment yesterday. He said he was personally monitoring the situation and strict action will be taken in case of any lapse.

The minister also announced Rs 3.5 lakh ex-gratia compensation for those who lost their lives, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those who received minor injuries.

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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.