Bengaluru-Ernakulam train derails; 

Railway Minister orders inquiry

Feb 13 Eight passengers were killed and 12 seriously injured, when the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express derailed between Anekal Road and Hosur on Bangalore-Salem section this morning. Railway officials said about nine coaches have been derailed in the mishap that occurred between Anekal-Hosur on the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at around 7.40 AM. PTI reports the number of injured persons in the accident at 50. The train had departed from Bangalore City Railway Station about an hour prior to the accident. Karnataka Government rushed several ambulances to the spot and launched rescue operations. The injured trapped in derailed bogies were being removed and rushed to hospitals in Bengaluru and nearby Hosur, sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased in a train accident in Karnataka. In a tweet, Mr. Modi wished the injured a speedy recovery. He said Railway Minister and officials are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring timely relief. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today ordered an inquiry into the derailment of the Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter City Express and announced a compensation for the families of those killed in the mishap. He said an inquiry into the mishap will be conducted by Commissioner (Railway Safety). The minister announced a compensation of two lakhs rupees for the families of the deceased while 50 thousand would be given to those severely injured and 20 thousand would be given to those who suffered simple injuries. Prabhu has rushed to the site along with Chairman Railway Board. Karnataka Home Minister K J George and Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy visited the accident spot. The railways has set up a Help desk at Bangalore City Railway Station and at accident site. Bangalore city help desk numbers are 080 22371166,080-22156553, 080-22156554, 9731666751. Accident site numberis 9448090599.