Utkal Exp derailment: PM expresses pain over loss of lives

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief and pain over the loss of lives due to the derailment of the Haridwar bound Kalinga-Utkal Express in Uttar Pradesh. In a series of tweets the PM said, “Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. “I wish those injured a speedy recovery.

The situation is being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry. “Railways Ministry & UP Government are doing everything possible & providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment,” Mr Modi said. Atleast 23 passengers were killed and over 400 injured, 81 of them seriously, when 14 coaches of Haridwar bound Kalinga-Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli station of Uttar Pradesh today.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakhs each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. (UNI)