Railway Minister Mukul Roy announced ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakhs each to the kin of those who died in the Hampi Express mishap here on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media after visiting the site of the accident, Mr. Roy said an amount of Rs. 1 lakh would be paid to each of those who were seriously injured and Rs. 25,000 each to others who sustained simple injuries.
The Minister also said that the Indian Railways would provide jobs to one member of the family of each of the deceased. Announcing an inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, he said the probe would be completed as early as possible and the guilty will not be spared.
Mr. Roy, who arrived here by a special train from Yelahanka in Bangalore along with senior officials, spent 45 minutes at the site. He went inside the damaged coaches and supervised the relief operations for some time. He later visited the injured at the Government hospital here.
Special Correspondent from Hyderabad adds:
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy is also reaching the place from Hyderabad by helicopter. After monitoring rescue and relief operations at the accident site, he will be visiting the hospital at Puttaparthi where some of the injured are being treated.
Mr. Reddy expressed shock at the accident and offered his condolences. He directed Anantapur District Collector Durga Das and Superintendent of Police Shahnawaz Qasim to ensure that all necessary steps were taken for rescue and relief.
Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences to the families of the bereaved. He demanded that Government extend all necessary medical assistance and other help to help the families.