Death toll in Indore-Patna Express derailment rises to 149
“Out of the total 149 deaths, 125 dead bodies have been identified and out of 182 injured persons, 64 are seriously injured,” additional director general, media, Ministry of Home Affairs, KS Dhatwalia told reporters.
The death toll in the Indore-Patna Express derailment near Kanpur rose to 149, home ministry officials said on Tuesday.
“Out of the total 149 deaths, 125 dead bodies have been identified and out of 182 injured persons, 64 are seriously injured,” additional director general (media), ministry of home affairs, KS Dhatwalia told reporters.
A government helpline has been set up for the victims’ families in Kanpur.
Read | Clueless about victims, families flock train accident site near Kanpur
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Monday ordered a “forensic probe” into the accident.
Train services resumed on sector on Tuesday as the rescue teams called off their search operation after pulling out 25 more bodies from the wreckage of the train that derailed near Pukhrayan station, about 60km from Kanpur city.
A railways official said the tracks and electrical works were replaced, and a trial run was conducted for safety clearance.
“The route became operational last night after the damaged tracks were removed from the site. A trial run was conducted on the tracks before the resumption of train services,” the official added.
Earlier, four trains were cancelled and 14 diverted after 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express flew off the tracks on Sunday, disrupting traffic on the route.
Officials said prima facie the cause of the accident could be due to track fracture.
A high-level probe was ordered by the railway minister, who promised “strictest possible action” against the guilty. In a suo motu statement in Lok Sabha, he said a separate technical and forensic investigation will also be conducted.
Also Read | Before Indore-Patna Express tragedy: In 5 yrs, railways saw 2 dozen near-misses