Muzaffarnagar train derailment: 15-20 injured, teams of PAC, ATS dispatched

New Delhi [India], Aug 19 (ANI): Following the derailment of six coaches of the Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express which took place near Khatauli railway station in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Railways informed that around 15-20 people have been injured and that an alternate arrangement is being made for stranded passengers.

"We don't know the exact figures at the moment, but as per the local people present over there, we have got the information that around 15-20 people have been injured," Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the Northern Railways, Neeraj Sharma told ANI.

"We are arranging passenger trains and buses for ones willing to travel further," he added.

Sharma said that right now the priority of the Indian Railway is to provide relief to the one injured.

"Muzaffarnagar's District Magistrate is reaching the site soon. Additional Director-General of Meerut has also left for the accident site. Railway offices have reached the spot. Senior officers of Indian Railways are also rushing to the spot from Delhi. The injured are being shifted to nearby hospital," he said.

He said that rescue operations have been started and the locals of the area are helping a lot.

"As soon as the train crossed the Khatauli railway station, six to seven coaches of the train derailed. The first seven coaches of the train next to engine are fine, these coaches were after that," she said.

Anil Saxena, Director-general and Public Relation Officer of the Indian Railway said that train derailed near the advanced signal station ahead of the Khatauli railway station.

"As per the initial information, this incident took place at around 5: 50 pm in the evening. This incident took place at the Northern Railway Delhi division," he told ANI.

"We have not yet received proper information in this matter. We are focusing on relief and rescue operations," Saxena said.

Meanwhile, nine Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) companies, a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been rushed to the spot.

Following the derailment of at least six coaches of the Puri-Haridwar-Kalinga Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar on Saturday, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has assured that he is personally monitoring the situation and has ordered enquiry on the same.

Prabhu took to Twitter to share information on the same and posted, "Have ordered inquiry into the unfortunate accident to ascertain the cause. Strict action will be taken against any lapse"

"I am personally monitoring situation. Hv instructed senior officers to reach site immediately and ensure speedy rescue and relief operations."

He also informed, "In close touch with @CMOfficeUP , State Government officials,district administration to coordinate rescue and relief operations."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also took to Twitter to express his grief over the incident and said that the victims will be given proper treatment and orders for rescue and relief operations have been passed.

Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav too took to Twitter to share his empathy with the families of the victims. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI