Kolkata (IANS) | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday demanded a proper inquiry to find out the exact cause of the tragic train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district. 261 people were killed and more than 900 were injured in this accident. Former Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee reached the accident site earlier in the day. He interacted with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and other top officials.
During his conversation with Vaishnav, he was heard complaining about the lack of coordination in the railway department.
Later talking to media persons he said, definitely something has happened. There should be a proper investigation to find out.
He also expressed apprehension that a fault in the anti-collision system could be a reason for the accident, which is one of the worst rail accidents in the last 15 years.
When I was the railway minister for three terms, I took the initiative to set up an anti-collision system. I think if the system was in place, the accident could have been avoided. A large number of people who died in the accident are from West Bengal. My government officials are coordinating with their counterparts in Odisha for smooth rescue operations.
He also announced a compensation of five lakh rupees each for the families of the deceased from Bengal.
Meanwhile, a statement issued from the West Bengal secretariat claimed that at least 70 ambulances and 10 buses and 20 mini trucks with 34 doctors had reached Balasore by 12 noon on Saturday.
Two disaster management group teams of the police are going to Balasore, the statement said.
It also claimed that 20 ambulances and 120 passengers have left for West Bengal from Balasore and 11 patients are admitted in various hospitals in West Bengal.
–IANS
