Santragachi stampede: Four-member committee formed to probe station stampede
The Railways formed a four-member committee to inquire into circumstances that led to a stampede at West Bengal's Santragachi station, killing two and injuring 15 others, a South Eastern Railway (SER) spokesperson said. The stampede occurred around 6 pm on Tuesday when an express train and two EMU locals arrived at the station simultaneously and passengers rushed to the platforms to board the trains.
Inquiry committee will probe into last-minute change in train timings
The inquiry panel comprising SER principal chief commercial manager, principal chief engineer, principal chief security commissioner, and chief safety officer will look into allegations of "negligence" against the Railways, spokesperson Sanjay Ghosh said. "The committee will also probe claims of a last-minute change in the platform for an incoming train, apparently leading to cross-movement of passengers on the Foot-Over-Bridge at the station," Ghosh explained.
Internal coordination could have prevented the incident: Mamata Banerjee
Taking lessons from Tuesday's mishap, additional railway personnel have been deployed at Santragachi station as well the Foot Over Bridge (FOB) on Wednesday to ensure smooth movement of passengers, said a railway official. Pinning blame on the Railways for the mishap, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed Tuesday internal coordination could have prevented the incident. However, the officials said trains were running as per schedule.
West Bengal government to hold an inquiry into the incident
"I feel there is a gap in coordination and Railways should look into it, they should have given some time gap between the arrival of two trains when the passengers have to change platforms," Mamata said, adding, she will hold an inquiry into the incident.
West Bengal CM announces compensation for the victims
Of the 12 injured persons admitted to Howrah General Hospital Tuesday evening, two persons were shifted to a private facility at RN Tagore Hospital and one person was shifted to state-run SSKM Hospital, Ghosh stated. The CM has announced a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh each to the kin of the dead and Rs. 1 lakh each to those injured in the incident.
