New Delhi: 96 people have been killed so far and over 226 injured as at least 14 coaches of the Patna-Indore Express derailed near Pukhrayan area in Kanpur early on Sunday morning.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted that an enquiry has been ordered into the accident and that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.
"Sr officers ordered to go to spot immediately, they are on way to accident site.local MP, MLAs other functionaries rushed. MOS going. Rail,Dist,state, NDRF teams are geared up to deal with the accident & offer all kind of help.We r doing our best, to deal with sad accident," he said.
Prabhu announced Rs 3.5 lakh exgratia for kin of those killed in derailment and Rs 50,000 for those grievously injured.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh offered his condolences saying he was deeply pained by the loss of lives and that his thoughts are with the bereaved families.
"I have spoken to DG NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops," Rajnath tweeted.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to personally monitor the relief operations.
Meanwhile, Railways Ministry spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that several people have been rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, and the casualties may go up.
Manzar Karar, Public Relations Officer (PRO) Northern Central Railways, on Sunday said special buses and food supplies have been arranged for the injured victims of Indore-Patna express which was derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection today at 3.20 a.m.
Indian Railways has issued helpline numbers for assistance.
Kanpur Rural DM helpline no: 05111-271050; police-05111-271577; Magistrate Hospital duty 9454416414
