Rayagada (Andhra Pradesh) [India], Jan. 22 : The death toll in the horrific Hirakhand Express climbed to 39 on Sunday. Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu reached the accident site where the Hirakhand Express derailed last night.
The incident took place at around 11 p.m. yesterday near Kuneru station when most of the passengers were sleeping. The station is 25 kilometre away from Rayagada station in Odisha. The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh each for next of kin of those killed in the train accident. It has also announced Rs. 50,000 those seriously injured and Rs. 25,000 for minor injuries. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has also announced an additional ex-gratia of Rs. five lakh compensation under Chandranna Bima. The Indian Railway has issued the following helpline numbers - Rayagada: 06856-223400, 06856-223500, 09439741181, 09439741071 and 07681878777.
The helpline numbers at Vizianagaram are 08922-221202 and 08922-221206..
Source: ANI
