23 dead, 70 injured as Utkal Express derails near UP's Muzaffarnagar

New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh police on Saturday confirmed that 23 people were killed and 70 injured after 14 coaches of Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express derail at Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh.

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.

"Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been sent to the site as precautionary measure. There is no confirmation of terrorism angle," said Anand Kumar, ADG Law and Order.

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

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed his grief and said, "Sad at train derailment in UP; my thoughts are with deceased & their families. Injured are being rescued & provided relief."

“Extremely pained by derailment of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with families of the deceased,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Railways Ministry & UP Govt are doing everything possible & providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment,” he added.

Wishing the injured a speedy recovery, he said, "I wish those injured a speedy recovery. The situation is being monitored very closely by the Railways Ministry."

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also tweeted saying, "Shocked to know about unfortunate accident in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts with families who lost their loved ones."

Uttar Pradesh Police has issued helpline numbers following the derailment.

NDRF teams have been mobilised for rescue operation at Khatauli railway station.

The incident took place in Khautali in Muzaffarnagar, barely 100 kilometres from the national capital, New Delhi.

District officials conducting rescue operation on war footing.

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."

The minister said he has instructed Chairman Railway Board, Member Traffic to oversee rescue and relief operations.

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

Prabhu said an inquiry has been ordered into the incident to ascertain the cause and strict action will be taken against any lapse.

Prabhu said the senior officials have been asked to rush to the site.

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.

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

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

"There are no exact numbers on casualties. Satish Mahana and Suresh Rana have been sent to the spot," Yogi added.

According to ANI, first NDRF team with 44 rescuers and two search dogs will soon reach the derailment site.

Rescue team at the train derailment site in UP. (Photo: ANI | Twitter)

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

NDRF has tweeted about sending personnel at the site.