Hathras train accident: 16 killed as train rams into jeep

HATHRAS (UP): Sixteen people were killed and three others seriously injured when the Mathura-Kasganj Express rammed into an overcrowded jeep at an unmanned railway crossing here.

The accident took place at the unmanned railway crossing near Maidu Railway Station at 7:19 AM in the district, Superintendent of Police Chandra Prakash said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has announced an exgratia payment of Rs one lakh each to the family of those killed in the train accident at an unmanned railway crossing in Hathras district this morning.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in the mishap, Yadav also announced compensation of Rs 50,000 each for those sustaining serious injuries and Rs 25,000 to those with minor injuries.

He also directed officials to undertake immediate relief and rescue operations and make all arrangements for the proper treatment of the injured.

Meanwhile, Governor B L Joshi has also expressed condolences over the death of people in the mishap, wishing a speedy recovery for those injured, a Raj Bhavan release said.

The jeep was carrying about 20 passengers, all coming from Sathia village in Sasni tehsil.

Prakash said that last night one Munne Khan (40) committed suicide in Sathiya village and his family members along with other villagers were going to Hathras for the post mortem.

Railway Minister Mukul Roy has announced an exgratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the family of those killed in the mishap and Rs 15,000 to the injured.

A railway spokesperson said in New Delhi that though the mishap took place due to the fault of the road users, the minister has announced the ex-gratia as a "special gesture of compassion and sympathy for the victims".

Railway sources in Delhi said the mishap took place when the jeep tried to cross the track even as the train was approaching.

There are 14,853 unmanned railway crossings in the country.