22 dead, 25 injured in Mathura train collision

Mathura, Oct 21 : Twenty-two passengers were killed and 25 injured when the Delhi-bound Goa Sampark Kranti Express rammed into the rear of the Mewar Express near Mathura Railway Station shortly before daybreak today.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Agra Division, R D Tripathi said the railway department has announced financial aid of Rs five lakhs each to the bereaved families, while Rs one lakh each would be given to the critically injured.

Of the dead, 13 were identified so far.

The injured were convalescing in the hospitals of Delhi, Agra and Mathura.

No casualty or injury had been reported to passengers travelling in the Vasco-da-Gama-Hazrat Nizamuddin Goa Express, South Western Railway sources said in Panaji.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to reach the accident site by this evening. Ms Bangerjee has ordered a probe by the Railway Safety Commissioner, Lucknow division, into the accident.

Minister of State for Railways E Ahamed and UP Principal Secretary (Home) also visited the spot.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Goa Express jumped the signal and rammed into the stationary Mewar Express near the outer of the Mathura station, Mr Tripathi said.

An affected coach for women and handicapped had around 40 passengers. The accident occurred, when the Goa Express hit the stationary Mewar Express from behind at around 0458 hrs. The relief team of the railways reached the spot from Mathura within one hour, said the DRM.

According to an eye-witness report, the Mewar express was stranded due to chain pulling after which the Goa Express which was coming on the same track dashed at the rear.

--UNI

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