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16 killed, 70 hurt in train mishap
Bundelkhand Express derails, rams into signal cabin
Tribune News Service and PTI
Datia (Madhya Pradesh), October 3
At least 16 persons were killed and over 70 injured today when the Gwalior-bound Bundelkhand Express from Varanasi derailed apparently after the failure of brakes and rammed into a signal cabin near the railway station here, about 300 km from Bhopal. The engine and six bogies of the train were badly damaged, senior Police and railway officials told reporters at the accident site. Sixteen persons died and 70 were injured, they said, adding that the toll was likely to increase as some people were feared trapped in the mangled bogies. The driver of the train, who was among the dead, had informed the authorities at the Datia railway station about the failure of the brakes, officials said, adding that the exact cause of the accident would, however, be known only after an inquiry. The mishap took place at 8.51 a.m.
A relief van and helpline services have been despatched from the Jhansi division, and the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals . Local residents also joined in the rescue and relief operations.The Railways
Minister, Mr Lalu Prasad, who is in Patna, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of those killed. He also said jobs would be given to one dependent of each of the deceased. “Only a detailed inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety will ascertain the reason behind the tragedy,” he said. However, the
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr Babulal Gaur,alleged that the accident occurred as the driver was
sleepy. He announced Rs 10,000 each for the families of those killed in the accident and Rs 2,500 each for the injured. Mr Yadav said he had been informed by officials that the train was travelling at a speed of 90 km per hour, much in excess of the 15 km per hour prescribed limit, on the loop line when the mishap took place. Personnel of the Border Security Force were also pressed for
relief and rescue operations apart from Red Cross workers and NGO activists. Divisional Railway Manager (Jhansi) U.K. Singh said 10 persons with critical injuries were referred to Gwalior while 30 seriously injured were admitted to hospital in Jhansi and about 35 persons were being given treatment in Datia. Rail traffic on the route remained unaffected due to the accident with both the tracks being operational, he said, adding that the mangled bogies of train were being cut with the help of equipment brought from Jhansi. Apart from passengers, some passers by were also feared killed and injured due to the accident as the train jumped the tracks and rammed into the railway cabin, railway sources said.
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