23 dead, 70 hurt as 14 coaches of Utkal Express derail in UP's Muzaffarnagar

Muzaffarnagar (UP): Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday confirmed that 23 people were killed and 70 injured after 14 coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derailed at Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

"14 coaches got derailed. At this stage nothing can be said about the cause of accident," Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said.

"ATS has been sent there as precautionary measure, no confirmation of terrorism angle," Anand Kumar said.

NDRF teams have been mobilized for rescue operation at Khatauli railway station. The incident took place in Khautali in Muzaffarnagar, barely 100 kilometres from the national capital, New Delhi.

Read: Utkal Express derailment: Naveen, Yogi announce ex-gratia for victims

Uttar Pradesh Police has issued helpline numbers following the derailment.

"The incident took place at 5:50 pm today, 5 coaches of the train have derailed, there could be injuries in this," Railway official Anil Saxena told ANI.

 District officials are conducting rescue operation on war footing. The number of casualties is yet to be ascertained.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said, "Have instructed Chairman Railway Board, Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations."

Railway Minister tweeted, "Medical vans rushed to the site. All efforts being taken to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations."

Suresh Prabhu also said that he is in close touch with Chief Minister's Office in Uttar Pradesh, State Government officials, district administration.

He also said that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the accident and promised strict action against any lapse.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said the Minister of State (MoS) for Railways, Manoj Sinha will be visiting the site with seniors officers.

Indian Railways also released emergency helpline numbers for detailed information.

Meanwhile, Chief Public Relation Officer of Northern Railways Neeraj Sharma said as per reports, few passengers were injured in the incident.

He said the District Magistrate of Muzaffarnagar will reach the train derailment site shortly. 

The CPRO said, "Arranging alternative vehicles for stranded passengers. 15-20 passengers injured according to initial reports, need to verify."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath condemned the incident and assured complete treatment to injured passengers.

He said, "Directions issued for all possible assistance." 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condemned the incident and expressed grief over the loss of lives.

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed grief over the incident.

Two NDRF headquarter teams, comprising of 45 personnel each, and 2 canines have been rushed to the Muzaffarnagar accident site from their base in Ghaziabad.

NDRF has tweeted about sending personnel at the site.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 Lakh for those who lost their lives, Rs 50,000 for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for people with minor injuries.