Relief and rescue operations are in full swing at the rail accident site near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. At least 22 people were killed and as many injured when Delhi-bound Goa Express rammed into stationary Mewar Express early today. The railways have ordered an inquiry into accident.<br/><br/>The Goa Express hit the Udaipur city-Hazrat Nizamuddin Mewar Express from behind between Mathura and Vrindavan at around 4.30 AM. According to Railway officials, the dead include the guard of Mewar Express and two staff members of the pantry car of Goa Express.<br/><br/>The unreserved compartment, which was a second class cum luggage rake at the end of the Mewar Express, bore the brunt of the accident.<br/><br/>The army has rushed 150 personnel equipped with gas cutters to carry out rescue operations. Railways pressed into service thousands of its workers and heavy machinery to remove the damaged and derailed bogies. The Chairman of the Railway Board, DG Health in the Railways and other senior railway officers are at the site.<br/><br/>The train movement on Mathura-Delhi route has been partially restored.<br/><br/>The Railway Minister Ms. Mamta Banerjee has announced an ex-gratia of five lakh rupees to the next of the kin of those killed and one lakh for the seriously injured and ten thousand for other injuries.<br/><br/>The help line number at accident site is 09760536869. For an inquiry, the numbers at Mathura are 0565-2421041 and 0565-2402008. Delhi: 011-24359798 Ajmer: 0145-2429642 Udaipur: 0294-2483979.<br/>
News On AIR | October 21, 2009 4:41 PM
Atleast 22 killed in Mathura train collision