New Delh: Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered the Chairman of the Railway Board (CRB) to fix responsibility on prima facie evidence by end of the day, in connection with the Utkal Express derailment in which 23 people have been killed.
“Will not allow laxity in operations by the Board. Have directed CRB to fix responsibility on prima facie evidence by end of day,” Prabhu tweeted.
Further updating on the rescue and restoration operations that are underway, the Union Minister informed that 7 derailed coaches have been tackled.
Meanwhile, all the trains on the Meerut line have been cancelled or diverted till 6 p.m.
Affected rail route is expected to be cleared and traffic is likely to be restored by 7 p.m. today.
According to a statement by the Northern Railway, General Manager R.K. Kulshrestha is personally monitoring the relief work at site and Addl. General Manager, Northern Railway Manju Gupta is observing medical assistance work in the hospital personally.
A total of 97 passengers have been injured and 23 passengers reported dead in this unfortunate accident.
Out of 97 injured persons, 26 passengers are grievously injured while 71 have simple injuries.
Many injured person have discharged after providing first aid assistance. Injured passengers have been admitted in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar Hospitals. (ANI)