20 feared dead in train mishap

Preliminary investigations say that failure on the part of the signalman led to the accident that took place on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai route, about 30 kilometres from Vadodara.

Union minister of Railways Lalu Prasad Yadav has announced the formation of an inquiry committee under the chairmanship of commissioner for safety of Railways to ascertain the causes for the accident. The minister ruled out any possibility of sabotage.

Six railway coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed when it rammed with a goods train carrying containers, which was waiting for signal near the railway platform.

The initial reports suggests that the lineman failed to give a clear line to Sabarmati Express. The two linemen are reportedly absconding after the accident. The driver of Sabarmati Express and his assistant died on the spot. I P Sharma, station superintendent, Samlaya, refused to comment on the cause of the mishap.

Lalu Prasad, who visited Vadodara to supervise the rescue work, also announced a relief package for the passengers.

The family of the deceased passengers will be given Rs 1 lakh and employment to one family member in Indian Railways. The injured passengers will be paid Rs 15,000 each. The cost of treating passengers at the SSG Hospital, Vadodara, will also be borne by the Railways.

"Under the chairmanship of commissioner of safety of Indian Railways, a inquiry committee will be set up soon to find out the reasons for the accident. According to preliminary information, the accident seems to be the result of human error. Necessary action will be taken against the responsible personnel once the inquiry report is tabled by the committee," said Yadav.

The minister said that 13 have died and 117 were injured. "Looking at the intensity of an accident and the number of causalities reported it is clear that the safety system of railway is effective."

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi also visited Vadodara to supervise rescue. Modi assured all possible support for the rescue operations.

Irate crowd attack Lalu's vehicle

A group of irate locals, friends and relatives of the injured passengers, pelted stones at the car carrying Lalu Prasad Yadav and shouted slogans against him. The group, allegedly, comprised some Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal volunteers and BJP party members.

The incident took place when the Union minister visited the Sir Sayagirao Gaekwad Hospital at Vadodara where injured passengers were brought for treatment. Yadav blamed Naredra Modi for the incident at Vadodara.

"Modi is responsible for the misbehaviour of the public at the hospital. They were workers of BJP and RSS who tried to prevent me from entering the gates of hospital. Modi is monitoring the mob and has directed them to do so. But I will not sit silent. I will give him a fitting reply," said an agitated Yadav.

"That rat has unleashed his dogs on me. I demand the imposition of President's rule in Gujarat."