New Delhi: On Sunday, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced ex-gratia of Rs five lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs one lakh to grievously injured and Rs 50,000 to persons who sustained minor injuries, in the train accident that took place in the early morning hours in Bihar.
''Derailment of 11 rearmost Coaches of Train No 12487 (Jogbani Anandvihar Terminal) Seemanchal Express took place at Sahadai Buzurg Station in Sonpur Division of East Central Railway. Out of 11, three coaches are reported to have overturned'', Ministry of Railways said in a statement.
The Commissioner of Railway Safety/Eastern Circle will conduct inquiry into this accident. ''In this unfortunate incident, seven passengers lost their lives, three got grievously injured, while 27 passengers sustained simple injuries'', the Ministry said. Upon receiving the news about this accident, Mr Vinod Kumar Yadav, Chairman, Railway Board, senior Railway Board officials, General Manager, East Central Railway, DRM Sonpur and other senior officers rushed to the accident site. Self propelled accident relief train and medical equipment (SPARME) and Accident Relief Trains (ART) had also reached the site.
All medical expenses of the injured passengers will be borne by the Railways. The rescue operation is completed, the Ministry said.