Fifteen people have been injured after 12 coaches of the Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express derailed near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh early today morning. The train coaches traveling from Prayagraj to Delhi derailed at around 1 AM near Rooma village under Maharajpur police station, about 15 kilometers from Kanpur. The officials told that Four out of the 12 derailed Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches have overturned. Visuals from the spot show the damaged coaches. About 15 ambulances were at the spot to take injured passengers to the hospital.
According to a statement issued by the railways, the coaches that derailed are: S8, S9, B1-B5, A1, A2, HA1, pantry car and an SLR (seating cum luggage rake).
North Central Railway public relations officer Amit Malviya said 13 people were injured and had been admitted to hospital. All passengers are being given relief, assistance, help and medical aid. The district magistrate, senior superintendent of police and other senior officials reached the spot and are supervising the rescue operation. A 45-member team from the National Disaster Response Force is also at the spot.
Indian Railways spokesperson Smita Vats Sharma told ANI that an “Accident Relief Train” and medical equipment have been sent to the accident site. The main route has been affected due to the derailment. All long-distance trains running from towards Delhi from the east have been delayed and 13 trains have been diverted while one train has been canceled.
Kanpur District Magistrate Vijay Vishwas Pant told ANI, “Rescue operation is underway. No casualties have been reported till now. Buses are being arranged to take passengers to Kanpur Central. Railway authorities have said that they are arranging a train for passengers from Kanpur to Delhi.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also directed officials to extend all possible help to those affected and ensure that proper medical treatment is provided to them.
Recounting the incident, a passenger said there was a loud sound and everyone fell off their seats while another passenger said he got out of the window of the train after the accident.
The railways have issued helpline numbers: 1072, 9454403738, 9454401463, 9454401075, 9454400384 and 0512-23333111/112/113.
