Human failure behind train tragedy

Human failure caused the train accident in Punjab on Tuesday  and the assistant station masters of Bhangala and Mirthal railway stations have been suspended, the Lok Sabha was told on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Railways R Velu said, "Prima facie cause of the accident is human failure and commissioner of railway safety, Northern Railway, is enquiring into the cause of the accident."

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"Both the assistant station masters of Bhangala and Mirthal Railway stations have been placed under suspension. The line has been restored at 0230 hours this (Wednesday) morning and the first train passed at 0410 hours," he said.

The minister said 37 people died and 53 were injured in the accident. Thirteen of those injured have already been discharged, 40 are still in hospitals in Mukerian, Dasua, Jalandhar and Ludhiana.

An ex-gratia of Rs 100,000 will be paid to each of the families of those killed, while those suffering grievous injuries would get Rs 15,000, the minister said.

The wards of the dead and handicapped will be provided jobs in railways, he said.

Velu said hospital authorities were advised to provide necessary medical assistance to the injured.