Patna: A statutory inquiry has been ordered into the derailment of the Bangalore- bound Express train from Hyderabad in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh early December 21, Railway Minister Nitish Kumar said.

Talking to reporters Kumar said 18 deaths have so far been confirmed and 80 injured.

Earlier reports quoting the South Central Railway (SCR) sources had said that at least 20 people were killed and 60 others injured in the accident.

Salvaging operations at the site were going on on a priority basis with rescue vans having reached the spot and the director general (safety) camping there, the minister said.

He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and added that proper arrangements for the treatment of the injured were being made.

PTI