Expert from Delhi to probe Chennai train blast: Mallikarjun Kharge

BANGALORE: Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge today said an expert from New Delhi will visit Chennai to find out the cause behind the blasts in the Bangalore- Guwahati Express at the Chennai Central Railway station that left a woman dead.

"One of the experts from New Delhi will visit Chennai and will find out the reasons. Our people are taking quick action and also providing relief works," Kharge told reporters here.

Kharge said the woman killed in the blast has been identified as 24-year-old Swati who was travelling from Bangalore to Vijayawada and "was to go to Guntur further."

"When the train came to a stop at Chennai Central, two minor intensity bomb blasts took place in sleeper coaches S4 and S5. As a consequence of these blasts, one lady passenger by lost her life", he said.

He said two passengers received major injuries while seven others suffered minor injuries.

Kharge also announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs one lakh to the family of the deceased passenger, Rs 25,000 each to the seriously injured and Rs 5,000 each to those with minor injuries. Treatment expenses for the injured would be borne by the Railways department.

"Investigation is going on and both the railway board and Tamil Nadu Police are cooperating with each other. When we get the detailed report, we will be able to know the cause of the incident," he said.