Investigation is on into the incident of chain-pulling before the Goa Express hit the Mewar Express between Mathura and Vrindavan on Wednesday, Railway minister Mamata Banerjee said in Kolkata.
"According to a preliminary report, there was an incident of chain-pulling. It is being investigated whether this caused the accident," Banerjee told PTI.
Banerjee said those who suffered serious injuries would be paid Rs one lakh and those with minor injuries Rs 10,000. A member of each family of those killed will be given job as also in case of disability if the Railways are approached, she said, adding safety and security of the Railways was one of her top priorities. She said rescue operations were completed within four hours.
"Those guilty (for the accident) will be punished severely", she added. "I have been monitoring the situation after hearing about the accident. The chairman of the Railway Board, Member (Electrical) and Minister of state for Railways E Ahamed have been sent to the accident spot." At least 22 people were killed and nearly 30 injured when Delhi-bound Goa Express rammed into stationary Mewar Express near Mathura. PTI
