Train accident: PM expresses grief, announces compensation

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Gyaneswari Express derailment and announced a compensation of Rs two lakhs to the kin of the deceased.

Singh asked Railways and other authorities to provide all assistance to the bereaved families, the injured and other passengers. He also announced a relief of Rs 50,000 for each of those seriously injured in the incident.

"The Prime Minister is grieved to learn of the tragedy today morning when Gyaneswari Express met with an accident. The Prime Minister has asked the Railway and other authorities to ensure that all assistance is provided to the bereaved families, the injured and other passengers," a PMO spokesman said.

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs two lakhs each to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured," he said.

Sixty-five passengers were killed when Maoist attacked the Howrah-Kurla Lokmanya Tilak Gyaneshwari Super Deluxe Express, derailing 13 coaches, five of which were hit by a goods train coming from the opposite direction.