Hirakhand express derailment: Suresh Prabhu announces Rs 2 lakh compensation

New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday announced Rupees 2 lakh as compensation for the kin of deceased in the horrific Hirakhand express derailment in Andhra Pradesh last night, which claimed the lives of at least 23 people.

He also announced 25,000 rupees for the injured and 50,000 rupees for the seriously injured.

Prabhu, along with Railway Board Chairman A K Mittal, is rushing to the derailment site in Andhra.

Read: Hirakhand Express derails in AP; 23 feared killed, over 100 injured

At least 26 people were killed and more than 50 injured when coaches of Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Express derailed near Kuneru station in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh last night.

Chief PRO of East Cost Railway JP Mishra said the incident took place around 11 pm when the train was going to Bhubaneswar. He said four accident relief vans have been sent to the accident site. He said the reason behind the incident is yet to be ascertained.

Meanwhile, Railway Ministry sources have told ANI that the element of sabotage has not been ruled out yet.

The number of casualties is likely to go up as the train was running at high speed while crossing Kuneru station where it had no stoppage. The injured have been shifted to hospitals at Parbatipuram and Rayagada.

A team of doctors have reached the accident site. Vijayanagaram and Rayagada District Administration are taking active part in rescue operations. Several trains on Vijayanagaram and Rayagada routes have been diverted.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation. He has directed senior officials to reach the site and ensure prompt rescue and relief operations.

Railways has issued helpline numbers. These are:

Rayagada: 06856-223400, 06856-223500, 09439741181, 09439741071 and 07681878777, and Vizianagaram: 08922-221202 and 08922-221206.