39 injured in train derailment; inquiry ordered

As many as 39 passengers were injured as five bogies of the Mangalore-bound train derailed in Cuddalore district early this morning.
The Railways has ordered a probe into the mishap and recommended action against "staff responsible."
The Tamil Nadu government announced a relief of Rs 50,000 for those who sustained severe injuries and Rs 25,000 to persons with simple injuries.
The bogies of the Chennai Egmore-Mangalore Express derailed at Puvanur near Vriddhachalam in this district, about 200 kms from Chennai, at around 2 AM.
"Inquiry ordered in derailment... Pending that, ordered action on concerned staff responsible for this. Chair Rail board (Railway Board Chairman) on job of restoration", Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted.

He said government had extended all possible help to the injured passengers and wished them speedy recovery.

The mishap slowed down the rail traffic on this busy route, with some of the trains initially being halted in nearest railway stations even as restoration work was taken up, Railway officials said.
While trains were being re-routed, traffic on the particular stretch was expected to normalise later this evening, they added.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa directed the Cuddalore district administration to provide all medical facilities to the injured, besides transportation for them to proceed to their respective destinations.
While expressing regret over the incident, Jayalalithaa said that of the 39 persons, 35 had been administered with first-aid while four had been hospitalised.

The Chief Minister said she had directed the District administration to ensure that the injured persons received best medical attention, while wishing them speedy recovery.