3RD LD ACCIDENT

(Updating toll with additional inputs)
13 killed as Goa Express rams into another train
Arvind Vajpeyi
Mathura, Oct 21 (PTI) 13 passengers were killed and
around 20 injured when the driver of the Delhi-bound Goa
Samparkranti Express apparently ignored signal and rammed into
the last coach of the stationary Mewar Express near here in
the wee hours of Wednesday.
The unreserved compartment, which was a second class cum
luggage rake, at the end of the train bore the brunt of the
accident that took place between Mathura and Vrindavan in the
northern state Uttar Pradesh. The pantry car of the Goa
Express was also damaged. The fate of the guard is not known.
"Bodies of 13 passengers have been shifted to two
hospitals in the city," District Magistrate Dinesh Chandra
Shukla said.
SSP, Mathura, B D Paulson said 18 people have been
rescued from the coach which was packed with women passengers
and children. The luggage part of the coach probably prevented
heavier casualties, he said.
Railway officials said the driver of the Goa Express was
either over-speeding or may have jumped the signal and hit the
Mewar Express from behind at 4:50 am Indian Time (2320 hrs
GMT on Tuesday).
"Prima facie the driver of the Goa Express disregarded
the signal...either he did not stop the train at the signal or
did not proceed on a cautious speed," DRM, Agra zone, R D
Tripathi told reporters.
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is in Kolkata, has
ordered an inquiry into the mishap.The Commissioner of Railway
Safety has been asked to conduct the probe. (MORE) PTI