Utkal Express derailment: 23 dead, over 60 injured as 14 coaches go of track

Twenty-three passengers were killed and over 60 injured when 14 coaches of the Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Khatauli on Saturday evening; railway min orders probe

Coaches of the Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Khatauli on Saturday

Twenty-three passengers were killed and over 60 injured when 14 coaches of the Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed in Khatauli on Saturday evening.

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More casualties are fear­ed as a number of passengers are said to have been trapped in the coaches. With nightfall adding to difficulties, the railways were engaged in a grim battle for rescuing those trapped by deploying heavy gas cutters and other equipments to break open into the coaches.

Locals help rescue workers. Pics/PTI and Twitter

The accident took place around 5.45 pm. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry into the derailment. President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi expressed condolences to the kin of the victims.

Muzaffarnagar authorities have set up a control room to assist families of those affected.

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