Compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each victim dead

The Railways Ministry announces a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job to the next kin of each victim killed due to fire in Gouthami Express train in Andhra Pradesh.

The Railways Ministry on Friday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job to the next kin of each victim killed due to fire in Gouthami Express train in Andhra Pradesh besides setting up an inquiry to ascertain the cause of incident.

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Terming the fire incident as "very sad and unfortunate," Railways Minister Lalu Prasad announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a job to the next kin of each victim killed. Those seriously injured will get Rs one lakh each, he said.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety will hold an inquiry to establish the cause of fire and submit its report at the earliest. Forensic experts are also examining the cause of the fire, Prasad said.

"Till now no proof of sabotage or use of explosive has come to our notice. However, the inquiry report will establish the cause of the fire," Prasad said.

Several passengers, including a pregnant woman, were charred to death and many others seriously injured when a fire broke out in the Gouthami Express train early morning.

Since bodies were burnt beyond recognition, DNA tests will be conducted for identification.