Bihar train tragedy: Nitish announces two lakh compensation for family of each victim

Describing the Bihar train tragedy to be the rarest of rare, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday announced a compensation of Rs. two lakh each for the families of those who were crushed to death under the wheels of Saharsa-Patna Rajyarani Express.

Kumar expressed profound grief over the loss of innocent lives in this tragedy.

"Our officers have reached the spot. It's a place where there are no proper road networks to reach. It is extremely unfortunate, and I am sad about it that so many people have lost their lives in this accident. On behalf of the state government, we will give a compensation of Rs. 1.5 lakh and Rs. 50,000 from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. So, on behalf of the state government we will give a compensation of Rs. two lakh," Kumar told media here.

"I have also spoken to the Railway Minister (M. Mallikarjun Kharge). I have told him that an incident like this is the rarest of rare and so many people have lost their lives in it, so the Railway Ministry should also give ample compensation," he added.

Kumar informed that he has asked the concerned railway authorities to ensure that the demands of the people stranded in the station are fulfilled.

At least 35 people were killed in Bihar's Khagaria District when the Saharsa-Patna Rajyarani Express ploughed into pilgrims at Dhamahra Ghat Railway Station on Monday morning.

The victims, mostly pilgrims, were standing on the railway tracks at a station in Katyani Sthan, a religious stopover, waiting to board another train when the train hit them.

The injured people have been rushed to the nearby hospitals in Saharsa.

There is complete chaos at the accident site as agitating people were holding protest against railway officials in the station.