On Saturday evening, 23 people died and 40 seriously injured after 18477 Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express derailed at Khatauli in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh. More than 14 coaches of the train derailed. 

The train was coming from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarkhand . The accident took place at around 5:45 in the evening. Khatauli is 40 kms away from Muzaffarnagar district. PAC, NDRF and ATS teams have been sent at the spot. Gas cutters and cranes have been deployed at the rescue. 2 NDRF teams with 45 personnel each, and have been dispatched for the scene.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu ordered an inquiry into the derailment. He tweeted, ÂMedical vans have been rushed to the site, all efforts being taken to ensure speedy relief and rescue operations. He also announced Rs 3.5 Lakh ex-gratia for loss of lives, 50,000 for seriously injured and 25,000 for minor injuries.

State machineries have set up a control room for the help. The helpline numbers are 0131-2436918, 0131-2436103, 0131-2436564.

PM Modi expressed grief and condolence over the tragedy. He tweeted, ÂExtremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with family of the deceased.Â

UP CM Adityanath Yogi also took Twitter, ÂDirected overall treatment and every possible help for the injured passengers.Â