Death toll in Hirakhand Express derailment climbs to 39, Suresh Prabhu orders probe

NEW DELHI: At least 39 people were killed and over 60 injured after the engine and nine coaches of the Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar Hirakhand Expressjumped the tracks in Andhra Pradesh's Vizianagaram district late on Saturday night.
Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu reached the site of the accident on Sunday to take stock of the situation and has ordered a probe into the mishap.
"There will be a probe and defaulters will be punished," Prabhu said, before adding that both the Centre and state governments were focusing on relief measures.
Railway officials said the number of casualties is expected to rise further, as many bodies were feared trapped in the mangled coaches of the train.

Prabhu also met the families of the deceased and assured them that they will be compensated for the loss of lives and property.
"I share the grief of those who lost their loved ones today. I've directed Railway officials to ensure payment of ex-gratia without delay," the union minister said.
The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for next of kin of those killed in the train accident. It has also announced Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for minor injuries.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has also announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh under Chandranna Bima.
Initial reports suggest the authorities suspect track sabotage to be the cause of the derailment, which is the third major railway accident in as many months.
According to railways, prima facie there was rail fracture which caused the derailment. But it is yet to be ascertained whether the fracture was due to sabotage or because of negligence and lack of maintenance.
Odisha Police ruled out involvement of Maoists in the mishap.
"The real cause will be known only after inquiry by the Commissioner Railway Safety," Railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said.
The Indian Railway has issued the following helpline numbers - Rayagada: 06856-223400, 06856-223500, 09439741181, 09439741071 and 07681878777. The helpline numbers at Vizianagaram are 08922-221202 and 08922-221206.