Hirakhand derailment: Girl, 14, on way to perform grandpa's last rites dies

Rayagada: Among the victims of the train accident at Kuneru was 14-year-old Gayatri Sahu, who was going with her family that was scheduled to perform pind daan for her grandfather at Puri. Her father K.P. Sahu and sister sustained grievous injuries.

Her mother Sandhya, who stood weeping as Mr Sahu was being treated, said, “Everyone is saying my daughter died, but I don’t believe. My daughter was happy that she is going to Puri,” Ms Sahu said. “My husband is serious. One X-ray was done for the chest and the doctors asking for another one. I don’t know what is happening,” she said.

Mukinda Khasi, who was visiting with the family, said the Gayatri got stuck in the corner of the coach when it derailed.

Ranjan Nayak, a mechanical engineering student who was going to Bhubaneswar along with his sister lost his life in the mishap. “He met us last Saturday and said he would be going to Bhubaneswar along with his sister for an interview,” said his friend.