At the crack of dawn, as most passengers slept, came a collision so devastating that it seemed the Goa Express was an extension of the Mewar Express. Twenty two people were killed and many injured, three critically.
The accident happened at around 4 am between Mathura and Vrindavan stations, when the Delhi-bound Goa Express went on the same track as the Mewar Express, which was standing, and rammed it.
The worst hit, the last two bogies of the Mewar Express, one a reserved compartment for women and the disabled. Many died instantly, but the nightmare continued for several passengers trapped inside.
It took seven hours, the help of about 150 Army men and the use of gas cutters to rescue people or bring out those dead.
More than 18 people including several children were rescued. After the rescue operation, clearing was the toughest task.
Several injured were taken to nearby hospitals with locals and villagers helping in the rescue. The three passengers critically injured were shifted to Delhi.
Ram Niwas lost his wife and elder son, and his younger son Naresh has lost his leg. The four-year-old was looking forward to celebrate his birthday on Sunday.
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has now said that the CBI will conduct an inquiry into the train mishap. She also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of the dead; Rs one lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 10,000 to those with minor injuries.
Investigations suggest the accident took place when three policemen on the Mewar Express yanked the chain abruptly when a prisoner they were accompanying escaped.
"The Mathura train accident occurred because the chain of one of the trains had been pulled," the Railway Minister said.
The policemen have been suspended.
In Delhi, family members are gathered at the station for some news and with medical supplies to treat the injured.
by ndtv
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