Special relief train for Gyaneshwari passengers

MUMBAI - The Indian Railways has despatched a special relief train to bring back the survivors of the West Bengal train tragedy and relatives of the victims, many of who were from Maharashtra, an official said here Saturday.

The Mumbai-bound Gyaneshwari Super Deluxe Express derailed early Friday in Jhargram in West Midnapore district, after a part of the track was sabotaged by Maoists, and the train was rammed by a goods train.

“The relief train will reach the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus in Kurla at around 9 p.m.,” said a spokesperson.

Details of the victims from Mumbai and Maharashtra have not been ascertained yet. “The rescue operations are still on at the accident sight. It is difficult to get an idea of victims and survivors from Maharashtra,” the spokesperson added.

The death count in Friday’s train tragedy near this West Bengal town has gone up to 98 as rescue workers continue to extricate bodies from mangled coaches of the train Saturday.

The Gyaneshwari rail tragedy is the third worst train accident this year blamed on Maoist guerrillas.