Muzaffarnagar train derailment: Suresh Prabhu steps in, orders enquiry

Following the derailment of at least five coaches of the Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has assured that he is personally monitoring the situation and has ordered enquiry on the same.

Prabhu took to Twitter to share information on the same and posted, "Have ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause. Strict action will be taken against any lapse"

"I am personally monitoring situation. Hv instructed senior officers to reach site immediately and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations."

He also informed, "In close touch with @CMOfficeUP , State Government officials,district administration to coordinate rescue and relief operations."

"Medical vans have been rushed to the site. All efforts being taken to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations," he further tweeted.

"Have instructed Chairman Rly Board,Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations.I am personally monitoring situation."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath too took to Twitter to express his grief over the incident and said that the victims will be given proper treatment and orders for rescue and relief operations have been passed.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav too took to Twitter to share his empathy with the families of the victims.

Five coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express have been derailed in Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli area here today, leading to scores of injured passengers.

The incident took place around 6:00 pm in the evening.

According to the Indian Railways, at least 15 to 20 people have been injured in this incident, while casualties are expected.

Anil Saxena, spokesperson of Indian Railways told ANI, "There is no authentic information on the casualties right now. We are trying our best to mobilize resources for the rescue and relief operations."

Meanwhile Neeraj Sharma, CPRO, Northern Railways, said, "As per reports, there are injuries to a few passengers. Muzaffarnagar DM is about to reach the train derailment site."

A team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been mobilised for the rescue operation at Muzaffarnagar's Khatauli railway station.