Daijiworld Media Network

Chennai, Sep 14: An electric multiple unit (EMU) train crashed into a stationary passenger train near Arakkonam junction in Vellore here on Tuesday September 13 night, killing at least seven and leaving over 85 injured. The death toll is likely to change, railway officials said.

The Arrakonam-Katpadi passenger train was waiting for the signal when the Chennai Beach-Vellore EMU train rammed into it, at around 9.30 pm. The impact was such that at least five bogies were derailed.

Though inititial reports claimed that at least 15 had been killed, it was later confirmed by Railway Board chairman Vinay Mittal that seven had perished and 85 injured. He also added that the figures could rise.

Railway minister Dinesh Trivedi said he was "disturbed" over the incident, and said announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs 5 lac for the dead, Rs 1 lac for the seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for the others.

He said that he would visit the spot along with minister of state for railways K H Muniyappa, the Railway Board chairman and other board officials on Wednesday September 14.

He also informed that the driver of the stationary train who was injured and recuperating could throw more light on the accident.

Mittal also confirmed that rescue operations at the spot had concluded, and all the trapped passengers had been rescued and admitted to hospital.

Efforts to rescue people trapped in the wreckage had been hampered by the darkness and heavy rain in the area but the task was completed with the help of the locals.

The injured were taken to various hospitals in Vellore while teams of doctors had also reached the accident site.

The railways have set up some helpline numbers for aid of the kin of the passengers. Some of the numbers are 044-25352629, 044-25347771, 044-25350308 and 044-25353988.

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