Derailment of Kalka-Shimla toy train: Railways marks inquiry

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Spokesperson for Northern Railways Naresh Sharma said that the commissioner would be present in Chandigarh at 9.30 am on Tuesday. Anyone with information about the incident could appear before him.

“The commissioner will meet the injured to see their condition and visit the site of the accident. The officials concerned will also be questioned. Evidence in the case will be examined. Further action will be initiated after the inquiry is complete,” said Sharma.

The Commission of Railway Safety comes under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The commission deals with matters related to safety of rail travel and train operations.

A total of 37 British nationals were travelling in the train. Apart from the two who died, three suffered serious injuries while eight minor injuries and were discharged after first aid.

Dr Nitin Yogesh, senior consultant (neurosurgery) at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mohali, said that Diana had suffered head and chest injuries and was conscious and stable. Andrew was still not fully conscious and was being treated.

The train services on the Kalka-Shimla section were resumed after the track was cleared by around 2 am on Sunday. The preliminary investigation on Saturday had suggested that overspeeding on the track was the reason for derailment. Trains on the track, given heritage status by UNESCO, are not allowed to ply at more than 25 kilometres per hour. Inaugurated in 1903, the track had 107 tunnels of which 102 are still in use.