Guwahati: The preliminary inquiry into the Bikaner-Guwahati Express train derailment revealed that a glitch in locomotive equipment led to the mishap in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal resulting in the deaths of at least nine people.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who visited the site of the accident this morning, informed that the Commission of Rail Safety is conducting an inquiry to unearth the root cause behind the accident.
Ashwini Vaishnaw further informed that he is personally monitoring the situation and has apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the rescue operations.
As per reports around 1200 people were on board the train when the incident took place yesterday at around 5 pm in Jalpaiguri.
It may be mentioned that around 12 of the total 18 coaches of the train derailed while 3 coaches capsized.
The Central government has announced an Ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and 1 lakh to those severely injured. Those who received minor injuries will be given Rs 25,000 compensation relief.
The railway department has also released helpline numbers to report any details relating to the incident. These numbers are 0361-2731622, 0361-2731623.