96 killed, 150 injured as Indore-Patna express train derails
- 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna expess derailed in Kanpur Dehat district.
- At least 96 people were killed and over 150 others injured
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At least 96 people were killed and more than 150 injured as 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 mishap took place at around 3 AM near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here, when the passengers were fast asleep.
"Over 150 injured people have been rushed to nearby hospitals in the area. All hospitals have been asked to be alert. More than 30 ambulances have been pressed into service," IG (Kanpur range) Zaki Ahmed told PTI.
Over 250 police officials are involved in carrying out the rescue and relief operations.
Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy.
"All rescue relief work is on to deal with the unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Inquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely," Prabhu said in a tweet.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has instructed the DGP to personally monitor the relief operations and deploy traffic police along the route of the mishap site to ensure green corridor for ambulances to reach hospitals quickly.
Kanpur district officials have been instructed to take support of Indian Medical Association to avail the services of more doctors for extending medical support to train accident patients, the CM said.
More ambulances/roadways buses have been rushed to the spot for speedy relief operations, the CM said.
DG Health & ADG (Law and Order) have also been rushed to the accident spot to monitor the relief operations.
Railways Ministry spokesperson Anil Saxena said several people have been rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, and the casualties may go up.
Accident relief train has been rushed to the spot, he said.
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 have been 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.
Railways have made available the following helpline numbers - Indore - 07411072, Ujjain - 07342560906, Ratlam - 074121072, Orai - 051621072, Jhansi - 05101072, Pokhraya - 05113270239.
