At least 97 people died and more than 150 were injured after the Patna-Indore Express got derailed near Uttar Pradesh’s Pukhrayan district in Kanpur on Sunday morning. Rescue officials said most of the casualties were being reported from two coaches, which were severely damaged in the incident, NDTV reported. While reports pegged the number of dead at more than 120, Indian Railways said 97 deaths have been verified.
The incident took place around 3 am, according to reports. Doctors and rescue teams were sent to the spot immediately. The North Central Railways Public Relations Officer said special buses and food supplies have been arranged for the injured, ANI reported.
Indian Railways spokesperson Anil Saxena said, “14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express got derailed. We are yet to confirm the total number of casualties.” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said an inquiry had been ordered into the incident. Prabhu also announced ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh for families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 compensation for the critically injured, ABP News reported. Prabhu further said that both the central and Uttar Pradesh governments were working together on rescue and relief operations, adding that he would visit the site to monitor the situation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav announced a relief package of Rs five lakh each for families of those killed in the derailment and Rs 50,000 for critically injured victims, PTI reported. A help desk was set up at Patna Junction to provide information to the relatives of those travelling on the train, The Hindu reported.
Railway officials have announced several helpline numbers:
- Patna: 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-2202292, 025-83288
- lndore: 0741 1072
- Ujjain: 0734 2560906
- Ratlam: 07412 1072
- Mugalsarai: 05412-251258, 05412-254145
- Hajipur: 06224-272230
- Jhansi: 05101072
- Orai: 051621072
- Kanpur: 05121072
- Pokhrayan: 05113-270239
Railway officials have also listed the details of trains that have been rescheduled or cancelled.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Our priority is to provide as much assistance as possible to the affected people.” Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered their condolences to the families of the deceased.
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