New Farakka Express derails in Rae Bareli; seven people killed

Rae Bareli: At least seven people lost their lives and more than 20 were critically injured as 9 bogies derailed apart from the engine of New Farakka Express derailed near Harchandpur railway station here on Wednesday.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed. While, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the family of those killed.

Goyal announced Rs one lakh each to those who sustained grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 each in case of simple injury. The Uttar Pradesh government would also give Rs 50,000 each to all those injured.

What does Piyush Goyal said?

• I have ordered inquiry into the accident which will be conducted by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) of Northern circle," Goyal said in a statement here.
• I was in constant touch with the railway administration, and has directed all officials to effectively undertake relief and rescue operation and provide medical help to the injured.

PM Modi expressed his deep condolence at the incident. He took to twitter and posted:

https://twitter.com/PMOIndia/status/1049885194117963776

The injured were immediately taken to nearby hospitals. Drone and long range cameras, heavy duty gas cutters were being used to extricate the bodies and all those still trapped in the damaged coaches.

Rahul Gandhi in his condolence message said that he was pained by the deaths in the accident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

"I am pained and shocked by the accident of New Farakka Express due to derailment. I condole and pray for those who lost their family members in the accident," Gandhi said in a Facebook post.

"I hope that the government takes all possible measures for the rescue and relief operation and also takes proper care of the people who have been injured in the train accident," he added.

Congress MP representative K L Sharma has reached the incident sport immediately and expressed deepest sadness.

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The train was heading towards New Delhi from Malda town in West Bengal.

Chairman of Railway Board Ashwani Lohani will be also visiting the incident spot.

The NDRF teams from Lucknow and Varanasi are present on the spot to rescue the passengers who have been trapped.

Heavy duty gas cutters were being used to extricate the bodies and all those still trapped in the damaged coaches.

At least 13 trains have been diverted or short terminated following the accident.

Additional Chief Secretary (Information) Avneesh Awasthi said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was apprised of the situation. He has spoken to the district officials and senior police officers.