Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Rescue ops complete, restoration works underway

Rescue operations are over and restoration works have begun following the deadly Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailment, which has claimed 23 lives so far.

This was informed by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, who also announced an ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the kin of those who have been killed, Rs. 50 thousand for those who are seriously injured and Rs. 25 thousand for people with minor injuries.

"Rescue operations have been completed. All injured shifted to hospital. Restoration work will start now. Still monitoring situation closely," Prabhu tweeted.

Here are the updates in the tragedy so far:

- Fourteen coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailed in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli area.

- 23 people have lost their lives till now and 40 are said to be injured.

- The incident took place around 5:50 pm.

- Indian Railways released emergency helpline number for detail information.

- Nine Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies, a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been rushed to the spot.

- Medical vans have also been rushed to the site

- Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that he has ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause.

- Railway Ministry and Uttar Pradesh Government are working hand in hand, informs Prabhu.

- As per sources repair work was underway at the track.

- MoS Railways Manoj Sinha and BJP leader Sanjeev Balyan are at the site.

- Alternate arrangement is being made for stranded passengers.

-Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the next kin of any Odia passengers killed in the incident. He also announced relief of Rs 50,000 for injured.

- Union Minister of Railway Suresh Prabhu announced ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for the next kin, Rs. 50, 000 for those seriously injured and Rs. 25, 000 for people with minor injuries.

-President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed condolences

- Former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh expressed condolences to the grieving kin of the victim.

- Union Health Minister JP Nadda asked central trauma care teams to remain on standby.

- Repair work was underway at the track during derailment, say sources.