At least 23 passengers were killed and 100 others were injured in derailment of Utkal Express at 5:46 pm today. According to the reports, 12 coaches of Puri-Haridwar Express derailed near Muzzafarnagar in western Uttar Pradesh and the accident took place in Khatauli near Muzzafarnagar, about 115 kms from New Delhi. One of the coaches rammed into a house at the accident spot while two other coaches climbed one another.
The railway minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered for an inquiry into the tragedy. He, further assured strict action would be taken against any lapse.
Meanwhile, an ex gratia of Rs.3.5 lakhs was announced to the close kin of the deceased while Rs.50,000 for seriously injured passengers was announced. Rs.25,000 each will be given away to the passengers who sustained with minor injuries.