Friday, July 29 2005 11:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Varanasi: At least 12 people were killed in the Shramjeevi Express blast between Jaunpur and Sultanpur stations, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said in Varanasi.

The Railway Safety Commissioner, State Government and Central Government would conduct an inquiry jointly agencies to find out what caused the yesterday's (July 28, 2005) blast, Prasad told reporters early today (July 29, 2005).

"Fifty two injured persons were admitted at the Sir Sundarlal Hospital of the Banaras Hindu University and condition of twenty was serious," he said after visiting the hospital.

"All medical treatment would be provided to the injured free of cost," he said, adding it was a very tragic incident.

The Minister announced Rs one lakh ex gratia to the next of the kin of those dead in the blast and job for one member each from victims' family.

Those who were seriously injured would also be provided with jobs, Prasad added.

Meanwhile, the Northern Railway has issued a statement in New Delhi listing the names of eight grievously injured persons in the blast.

They are: Shri Krishna Gupta, Om Prakash, Ramu S/O Ramuddin, Mantu Rawat S/O Ravindra Rawat, Raj Kumar S/O Hwarilal Rawat, Manni Paswan S/O Shiv Balak, Saroj Yadav S/O Raghubir Yadav, Ramratan Paswan S/O Ram Dutt Paswan.