Train drivers’ blood samples sent for test

Acharya, who inspected the accident site on Monday, said it may take about twothree days to complete the inquiry and the report will be submitted to the government in a month’s time. The statements of the driver, the assistant driver, a police inspector and a few other people have been recorded, he said, adding that this is first round of questioning and there will be more rounds. 

“Blood samples of both the drivers have been sent to a laboratory for tests. I can make further comments once the laboratory sends the reports,” he said replying to questions on whether the drivers were under the influence of alcohol. He said samples of the broken railway track have been brought to Kanpur and are being sent for examination to the Research Designs and Standards Organisation’s (RDSO) laboratory. 

The commissioner told reporters at the Kanpur Railway Station’s CTM office that the driver, the assistant driver will be questioned over the accident on Wednesday.  Meanwhile, Railways suspended five senior officials and transferred Jhansi Divisional Manager as the probe into the Indore-Patna Express accident gained momentum. The death toll in Sunday’s mishap rose to 150, making it the deadliest train accident in the last 17 years with 4 more persons, succumbing to their injuries.