Muzaffarnagar, Aug 19: The Puri-Haridwar utkal Express derailed today in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar, leading to the death of atleast 23 passengers. At least 400 people were left injured in the accident, which occurred at 5:46 PM, the Uttar Pradesh DGP Sulkhan Singh said.
According to ADG (Railway) VK Maurya, 10 coaches of the Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli station in Muzaffarnagar. However, fresh reports suggest nearly 14 out of the 23 bogies went off the track.
Post the accident, 9 companies of PAC, along with the teams of NDRF were rushed to the site to expedite the rescue and relief operation.
The injured victims were rushed to the six nearby hospitals in Muzaffarnagar district.
Union Minister Sanjiv Balyan, who was monitoring the relig operation on ground, told ABP News that all passengers in the derailed bogies were successfully evacuated. “All the passengers evacuated are rushed to the hospitals. Our immediate priority is to save lives. But the death toll may increase as there are some dead bodies still in the derailed coaches,” he said.
However, the statements of the Minister was contradicted by reports emerging from the ground which said dozens of people were still feared to be trapped in the bogies.
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry into the derailment. He said he was personally monitoring the situation and strict action will be taken in case of any lapse.
