The death toll in the derailment of the Janata Express train number 14266 has risen to 31 people, according to latest reports.
The mishap occurred when the train, plying between Dehradun and Varanasi, entered the Bachharwan station near Rae Bareli on Friday morning. 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.
Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu instructed Railway Board chairman AK Mittal and Member Traffic Ajay Shukla to rush to the spot.
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi both expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident, with the latter directing Prabhu to closely monitor the situation and ensure speedy relief and assistance.
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.