The engine and two coaches of the Janata Express train number 14266, plying between Dehradun and Varanasi, derailed at Bachhrawan near Rae Bareli on Friday morning, leaving around 20 people dead and over 150 people injured.
According to reports, the mishap occurred when the train entered the Bachharwan station. The loco pilot of the train is said to have overshot the signal and then entered a sand hump, leading to the derailment.
Lucknow division railway manager (DRM) SK Rohania, along with the branch officer on duty and several doctors proceeded to the accident site to ensure a speedy rescue and relief operation. An accident relief medical train and an accident relief train were immediately rushed to the site.
"I was informed that the Janata Express was coming from Dehradun. The information that I have received is that the train went from the main line to a loop line because of a brake failure. This is a major accident," Rohania told the media.
"The administration is working to get to the bottom of this matter. There is need to investigate who or what is at fault," he added.
Meanwhile, AK Chaturvedi said that the injured have been taken to the trauma centre in Lucknow.
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"We are taking out the bodies from the wreckage, though we cannot say how many died until the rescue operation is complete. The injured are taken to the Trauma Centre in Lucknow, while the minor injuries are being treated on the spot," he said.
"As of now, brake fail seems to be the main reason for the accident," he added.
Meanwhile, Rail Board PRO Anil Saxena assured that Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is monitoring the situation, while Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha will visit the accident site.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a compensation of Rs two lakh to the next of the kin and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
The Railways has issued two helpline numbers in wake of the accident - 0535- 2211224 at the Rae Bareli Station and 0135- 2624002 and 2622131 at the Dehradun Station.