Utkal Express derailment; Railways suspends four, sends three top officials on leave

NEW DELHI: Fixing the responsibility of Muzzafarnagar train derailment in which at least 21 people were killed on Saturday, the rail ministry has sent three of its top officials on leave.

Member Engineering Rail Board AK Mittal, General Manager Northern Railways RN Kulshrestha and Divisional Railway Manager-Delhi RN Singh have been sent on indefinite leave by rail minister Suresh Prabhu.

Four division level engineers have been suspended by railways.

Railways suspects that negligence during the maintenance work on the track might have caused the derailment of Utkal Express that was going to Haridwar from Puri.

"Some maintenance work was going on, which might have cause the derailment of Utkal Express," said Mohd Jamshed, Member Traffic, Railway Board.

"Commissioner Safety will ascertain what type of maintenance work was being carried out on the track in his detailed probe. He will also find out whether laid down rules were followed," he added.