At least 20 people were killed today when 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 incident took place at around 3 AM near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here.
At least 20 people have been killed and several others injured, IG (Kanpur range) Zaki Ahmed told PTI.
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 was 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 are pressed into service to help passengers complete their journey, Kumar said.
The S2 coach of the train was severely damaged. Four AC coaches have also been derailed. Further details were awaited.
(Reopens DEL 4)
Meanwhile, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a probe into the train tragedy.
"All rescue relief work on to deal with unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Enquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely," Prabhu said in a tweet.
Railways has also released helpline numbers -- Indore- 07411072, Ujjain- 07342560906, Ratlam- 074121072, Orai- 051621072, Jhansi- 05101072, Pokhraya- 05113270239.
