Mamata orders inquiry into Mathura train accident (Lead:-Mathura train accident)
21 Oct 2009, 1133 Hrs

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Mathura, Oct 21 Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a inquiry into Wednesday's train accident at Mathura, in which 15 people were feared dead.

Banerjee has asked the chairman of the railway board to oversee rescue operations.

About 150 army jawans are assisting in rescue operations. Medical teams too have been rushed to the site.

Meanwhile, a compensation of rupees five lakh has been announced for families of the deceased; rupees one lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 10,000 to those with minor injuries.

The incident occurred when the New Delhi-bound Goa Express rammed into the rear of the stationary Udaipur Express also called the Mewar Express at 5.00 a.m. this morning near Mathura.

Due to the impact, the last bogie of the Udaipur Express was completely damaged as the locomotive of the Goa Express telescoped into it.

"I was in Goa Express and the driver of the train was not driving properly from the very beginning. He was constantly changing track and then he rammed the train with another stationary train that was already positioned on the tracks," said Junaid, a passenger.

Rescue officials used welding machines and gas cutters to open the doors and the damaged shells of the bogies of the Udaipur Express and helped the trapped passengers to come out.

Some of the fortunate passengers also lent a hand in the rescue operation.

"Some passengers were sleeping on the upper berths of the train and when the accident occurred, they fell on us. We then realised something has happened. We came out and helped rescue some of the passengers," said Deepak, another passenger.

Meanwhile, police personnel who had rushed to spot said they were not in a position to give the exact casualty figure since the rescue operations are still on.

"I am not in a position to tell you exactly how many have died," said Sanjay Kumar, a police officer.

The injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals. (ANI)

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