Andhra announces Rs 5 lakh compensation for Hirakhand train accident victims

The Andhra government on Sunday announced Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of 36 persons who died in the Hirakhand Express derailment in Vizianagram district.

Published on: Jan 22, 2017, 16:13:44 IST

IANS, Vijayawada | By HT Correspondent

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The Andhra government on Sunday announced Rs 5 lakh each for the next of kin of 36 persons who died in the Hirakhand Express derailment in Vizianagram district.

Derailed coaches of a Hirakhand express train from Jagdalpur to Bhubaneswar are seen near Kuneri station, Andhra Pradesh, outside the town of Rayagada. (ANI Photo)

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently visiting Switzerland, said this will be in addition to Rs 2 lakh announced by the railways.

The compensation will be paid under Chandranna Bima, the state insurance scheme.

Naidu tweeted that he was anguished to learn about the derailment of the Jagadalpur-Bhubaneswar Express. At least 50 persons were injured in the accident.

“My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. We are investigating the reason for the accident,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the Director General of Police will hand over the bodies in coordination with Odisha authorities.

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