New Delhi: Railways Minister Laloo Prasad has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs one lakh to the next of the kin of those killed in Matsyagandha Express derailment this morning (June 16, 2004) in Maharashtra and ordered an inquiry into the mishap.

Laloo has expressed deep shock over the accident and he was rushing to the site to personally supervise the rescue and relief works, a Railways spokesman said.

Laloo, who is in Kolkata in connection with an official programme, has ordered an inquiry by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, Western Railway, into the accident, he said.

The Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs one lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed and Rs 25,000 to the seriously injured, the spokesman said.

A medical van has reached the site and medical aid was being provided to the victims.