Kanpur Train Accident: Death Toll Crosses 100

Dehat Kanpur: Over 100 people were killed and over 226 others injured on Sunday when 14 coaches of the Indore- Patna express train derailed near Pukhrayan area in Kanpur Dehat district, with railways officials saying the number of casualties could rise.

The incident took place at around 3 am near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here. Over 226 injured people have been rushed to nearby hospitals in the area. All hospitals have been asked to be alert. More than 30 ambulances are pressed into service, the IG said, adding that over 250 police officials are helping carrying out rescue and relief operations.

Northern Central Railways spokesperson Vijay Kumar said that doctors and senior railway officials have reached the spot. Rescue and relief operations were being carried out by district administration and railway officials.

Though the cause of the derailment was not known immediately, sources said the nature and timing shows that the accident was caused by a rail fracture. However, the exact reason would be known only after an inquiry.

Buses are pressed into service to help passengers complete their journey, Kumar said, adding that the S2 coach was severely damaged. Four AC coaches have also been derailed.

Meanwhile, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy. All rescue relief work on to deal with unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Enquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely, Prabhu said in a tweet. Railways has also released helpline numbers --

Indore- 07411072, Ujjain- 07342560906, Ratlam- 074121072, Orai- 051621072, Jhansi- 05101072, Pokhraya- 05113270239.

Rajnath asks NDRF to help in rescue and relief measures

Home Minister Rajnath Singh took stock of the situation in the wake of the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express in Kanpur and asked the Director General of National Disaster Response Force to rush to the spot.

The Home Minister asked NDRF Chief O P Singh to provide all assistance to the Railway authorities and Uttar Pradesh government in relief and rescue operations.

Three NDRF teams have been rushed from Varanasi and Lucknow to the accident spot. There are 45 personnel in each team.

PTI