A head-on collision between two trains result in 15 casualties
A head-on collision between Ahmedabad-bound 9112 DN Jammu Tawi-Ahmedabad Express and 1 JMP Jallandhar-Pathankot Local Passenger (Diesel Multiple Unit) at 12 Noon today between Bhangala-Mirthal stations on Jallandhar City – Pathankot Section of Firozpur Division of Northern Railway, resulted in death of 27, including drivers of both the trains and injury of over 30 passengers. Injured have been admitted to Army Hospital, Pathankot and Civil Hospital at Mukerian. The coach next to train engine of the local passenger derailed and capsized, blocking through traffic.
Five Accident Relief Medical Vans from Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana have reached the site. Rescue and relief measures have been taken on war footing and right on time. Divisional Railway Manager, Firozpur, accompanied by senior officials have reached the site to oversee rescue and relief operations. General Manager, Northern Railway is on way to the site of accident.
Ex-gratia payment of Rs. One lakh to the next of kin of each of the dead, Rs.15,000/- to each of the grievously injured and Rs.5,000/- to each of the simple injured is being arranged.
The Union Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad has expressed his profound grief over the accident. He is leaving by special aircraft at 3.00 PM for Pathankot Air force Station in Gurdaspur District, Punjab and from there by road to the site of accident near Mukeriya in District Hoshiarpur to oversee rescue and relief measures. The Chairman, Railway Board and other Members are accompanying the Minister. An enquiry by Commissioner of Railway Safety, Northern Circle has been ordered.
(Release ID :5653)