Many feared dead as Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derails in Uttar Pradesh
While official sources put the toll at four, several news channels reported that at least 20 were killed and many trapped inside as the NDRF personnel carried out rescue operation with gas cutters.
The derailment occurred at Khatauli in UP's Muzaffarnagar area.
The train was headed from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered an inquiry into the train derailment to ascertain its cause.
Taking it to Twitter, Prabhu wrote:
Have ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause. Strict action will be taken against any lapse
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
He also spoke to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the situation.
Spoke to @CMOfficeUP @myogiadityanath ji. He has directed two UP ministers also to reach the site to expedite rescue and relief operations
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
Spoke to. Hon CM UP @myogiadityanath ji,requesting for rescue op,he's doing all possible We r working closely with all authorities to help
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 19, 2017
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been mobilised for rescue operation, officials said.
The official Twitter handle of the NDRF said:
NDRF teams mobilised for rescue operation at Khatauli railway station,Muzaffarnagr, U.P. where train accident took place.
— NDRF (@NDRFHQ) August 19, 2017
Local administration officials have reached the spot and rescue operations are underway.
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