8 coaches of Rajya Rani Express derail near Rampur, 2 injured

Eight coaches of Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday leaving at least two passengers injured, railway officials said.

The accident happened between Mundapandey and Rampur railway stations, Northern railway spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said. He said while two passengers-- Amit Katiyar and Megh Singh-- have been injured there was no casualty in the accident. 

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced a compensation of Rs50,000 for each of the injured passengers and also ordered an enquiry to ascertain causes behind the accident. "Personally monitoring situation.Directed senior officers to rush to the spot.Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations(sic)," he wrote on tweeter.

Prabhu said strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Moradabad Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) reached the spot to oversee the rescue and relief operations. A medical team has also reached, Sharma said. The railways have operationalised helpline numbers at different stations to facilitate communication between passengers and their relatives. Helpline numbers are: Meerut (0121-2401215), New Delhi (011-23341074, 23342954), Old Delhi (011-23962389, 23967332), Nizamuddin (011-24359748), Moradabad (1072), Bareilly (0581- 2558161, 2558162), Lucknow (09794830975, 05222-37677).

Earlier, police officials in Rampur had said 15 passengers were injured and rushed to hospital. Rampur SP said seven of the injured have been discharged after first-aid treatment and three seriously injured passengers are out of danger.

Source: Timesofoman