Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguished at the loss of lives in Raebareli where at least seven people were killed in a train derailment accident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed his anguish at the loss of lives in Raebareli where at least seven people were killed in a train derailment accident.
Eight coaches and the engine of the New Farakka Express (14003) derailed near Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, Northern Railway Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Satish Kumar said. The accident took place near Harchandpur in Raebareli district at around 6.05 am, he said.
In a tweet, Prime Minister's Office (PMO) quoted Modi as saying, "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Raebareli. Condolences to the bereaved families and I pray that the injured recover quickly. UP Government, Railways and NDRF are ensuring all possible assistance at the site of the accident."
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh compensation for those with serious injuries and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Goyal, who is in constant touch with the railway administration, has directed to effectively undertake relief and rescue operation and provide best possible medical help to the injured, the officials said.
Expressing condolences over the loss of lives, he has ordered an enquiry into the accident which will be conducted by the Commission of Railway Safety, Northern Circle.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also announced Rs 2 Lakh ex-gratia to the next of the kin of 7 victims. The state government has also announced 50,000 compensation for those with serious injuries.
A team of doctors in an Accident Relief Medical Van has been rushed to the site in Lucknow and emergency helpline numbers have been set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Mughalsarai, officials said.
The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) has reached the accident site to carry out relief and rescue operation.
"6 died at the site of incident and 27 injured taken to hospital. 1 declared dead at the hospital. There is no live victim trapped now," Sanjeev Kumar, Team Commander NDRF, said.
Senior officers, including the district magistrate, superintendent of police, CO, sub-divisional magistrate are at the spot and relief operations are in full swing, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and order, Anand Kumar said.
The ADG said that the reason for derailment will be known after an Anti-Terrorism Squad is sent for an on-the-spot probe.
Emergency helpline numbers have been set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Mughalsarai, officials said.
All up and down lines on the route have been blocked and officials suspect that the number of casualties may rise.
Previously, the railways had said that six coaches have derailed.
Meanwhile, sources said Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani was on his way to the accident site.
(With PTI inputs)
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