20 killed, 4 injured as train hits jeep in Bihar

The multi-utility vehicle (MUV), carrying family members and supporters of a victorious 'mukhiya' candidate, Veena Devi, was hit by Nizamuddin-Jainagar Garib Rath Express near Bharia-Bishanpur village as it was trying to cross over the tracks, DSP Karm Lal said.

The injured were taken to a nearby hospital and their condition was stated to be critical.

Four of the injured, including driver Saroj, were admitted to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital and the condition of Saroj was stated to be critical, the DSP said.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar expressed grief over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs one lakh each to the families of the deceased from the State Disaster Relief Fund besides Rs 50,000 each from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, an official release said.

Kumar also directed the district administration to ensure adequate medical treatment of the injured person, the release said.

The Chief Minister asked the District Magistrate and the district police chief of Madhubani to rush to the spot to supervise relief works and directed the Chief Secretary Anup Mukherji to monitor the same.

Kumar also spoke to railway officials and requested them to provide compensation to the affected families and asked them to construct a gate at the Rajnagar crossing to prevent such incidents in future.