Investigation will be done if safety was hampered: Indian Railways

General Manager of Northern Railways, Rajiv Kumar on Sunday said that a probe is underway in the Utkal Express derailment, adding if there was a minor work on the tracks when the accident took place which affected the safety of the public, then a required investigation will take place.

"Minor work is always happening on the tracks across India every day. But if here it affected the safety then there is a need for an investigation. We are quickly doing the restoration work," Rajiv Kumar told ANI.

He added that 13 coaches were derailed and mingled with each other, adding that 2 cranes of 140 tonnes were brought from Ambala and Delhi for help.

"One road crane was also brought. A lot of engineering staff has been brought in and it is expected that we will complete the restoration by 10 p.m. After restoration, we will talk to people and enquire about the incident," he said.

Kumar added that after one to two days the officers will try reach to a conclusion.

"Until we see the proof and talk to the concerned people, we cannot reach out to a conclusion. There were inefficiency in safety measures and we will look into it," he said.

Meanwhile, in the first definitive step taken post the deadly derailment, a FIR has been lodged against unknown persons under various sections including 304 An of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (death due to negligence).

Other charges include 287 -negligent conduct w.r.t machinery, 337- causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety, 338- causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal security and 427- mischief causing damage.

Sections under the Railways Act include 151-damage to or destruction of certain railway properties and 154 - endangering the safety of persons travelling by railway by rash or negligent act or omission.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered the Chairman of the Railway Board (CRB) to fix responsibility on prima facie evidence by end of the day, in connection with the Utkal Express derailment in which 23 people have been killed.

"Will not allow laxity in operations by the Board. Have directed CRB to fix responsibility on prima facie evidence by end of day," Prabhu tweeted.

Further updating on the rescue and restoration operations that are underway, the Union Minister informed that 7 derailed coaches have been tackled.

Meanwhile, all the trains on the Meerut line have been cancelled or diverted till 6 p.m.

Affected rail route is expected to be cleared and traffic is likely to be restored by 7 p.m. today.

Over 100 passengers have been injured and 23 are dead in this unfortunate accident.

-ANI