KCR orders probe into Masaipet train-bus accident

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao also announced payment of an ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakh each to the bereaved families.

Twisted metal is all that remains of the school bus that was rammed by a passenger train at an unmanned level crossing in Medak district of Telangana killing 15 children, besides the driver, on Thursday. Photo: P.V. Sivakumar

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has ordered an inquiry into the Masaipet accident on Thursday and announced a Rs. 5 lakh ex-gratia payment each to the families of the deceased children.

Expressing deep shock over the accident which claimed the lives of 15 school children and injured another 12, a visibly upset Chief Minister stated that the entire expenditure for the treatment of the injured would be borne by the Government of Telangana.

Officials stated that the Chief Minister was constantly monitoring the situation in consultation with the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.

Expressing displeasure over the incident, he asked South Central Railway (SCR) General Manager C.K. Srivatsava to arrange gates at all unmanned level-crossings. In turn, the General Manager assured the Chief Minister that gates would be arranged at all level-crossings within a week.

In a message, Mr. Chandrasekhar Rao conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the children who were killed in the accident.

Meanwhile, speaking at the accident site, Minister for Irrigation T. Harish Rao blamed the SCR for the accident as it had failed to provide the gate in spite of several requests made by the people of neighbouring villages in the past.