NEW DELHI: While expressing grief over the death of 31 passengers in the twin train accidents at Harda in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the kin of those killed from the PM's Relief Fund. The Prime Minister's Office also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for those who were seriously injured. It will be in addition to the relief announced by the Railways.
Thirty-one passengers were killed and around a 100 injured when the Mumbai-Varanasi Kamayani Express and the Jabalpur-Mumbai Janata Express derailed near Harda, about 160 km south of the State Capital Bhopal. Heavy rainfall had weakened the tracks.
"The two train accidents in Madhya Pradesh are deeply distressing. Deeply pained over the loss of lives. Condolences to families of deceased," Prime Minister Modi had tweeted earlier.
"My prayers with the injured. Authorities are doing everything possible on the ground. The situation is being monitored very closely," he said.
The daeth toll has gone up to 31, including 10 women and five children. The death toll could rise as some passengers may have been washed away in the
swollen Machak river. Seven coaches of Kamayani Express and three coaches and the engine of Janata Express were derailed.
Eyewitnesses said the tracks were submerged and there was strong current.
Officials said flash floods may have caused the derailment by damaging the tracks. Even ten minutes before the accident that took place before midnight,
two trains had crossed the section withut facing any problem, claimed railway officials.
Commissioner Railway Safety (Central Zone) will conduct an inquiry into the accidents, Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said.
The accident occurred at Kudwa, about 18 km from the district headquarters Harda, between Bhirangi and Khirakia railway stations.
(EARLIER REPORT: 30 killed as two
trains derail in heavy rain in MP)
