Utkal Express derails in U.P

The Utkal Express bound for Haridwar from Puri met with a major accident in which 14 coaches were derailed in Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. At least 10 people are believed dead and more than 40 injured as relief work is still underway.

The accident took place at 5.45 pm on Saturday and railways minister Suresh Prabhu said an inquiry has been ordered into the accident. Mr.Suresh Prabhu also announcesd ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the kin of those who lost their lives, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for people with minor injuries/

Twelve PAC companies have been despatched to Khatauli to extend help to rail accident victims and carry out relief and rescue operations. Television visuals show derailed coaches have crashed into a house.

UP CM Adityanath and MLA from Odisha Ravi Naik will visit the spot.