Indore-Patna train derailment: 97 killed, nearly 200 injured

The incident took place around 3 am close to Kanpur city at a place called Pukhrayan.

The train, carrying more than 500 passengers, jumped tracks when most passengers were sleeping.

The cause of the accident is yet to be identified.

Doctors and senior railway officials are  present at the spot.

"Our job is to rescue the trapped now," said the Railway police.

Many trains have been diverted, said CPRO of North Central Railway Vijay Kumar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the accident.

"Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Narendra Modi tweeted.

"Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to @sureshpprabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," he said.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said an enquiry has been ordered into the incident and assured that strictest possible action will be taken against those responsible.

"All rescue relief work on to deal with unfortunate accident. All medical and other help rushed. Enquiry ordered. Situation monitored closely," Prabhu tweeted.

"Ex gratia to unfortunate passengers who died and to injured will be given," he said.

"Enquiry team will start investigation for cause of accident immediately All necessary assistance provided to the affected,We r taking care," he said.

"Strictest possible action will be taken against those who could be responsible for accident,All possible mobilisation for relief initiated," the Minister said.

The Centre has announced a compensation of Rs. 3.5 lakh for the kin of dead and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also mourned the loss of lives in the mishap.

"Deeply pained by the loss of lives caused by the derailment of Patna- Indore Express near Kanpur. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," Singh tweeted.

"I have spoken to DG NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops," he said.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has instructed officials to help the rescue and relief operation.

Yadav instructed the Chief Secretary of the state to pool in all resources from the neighboring districts to enable quicker relief operations.

"All the hospitals in the neighboring districts have been activated.Private hospitals of Kanpur has been put on alert to accommodate patients," the official Twitter handle of the CM said.

Helpline Numbers are given below:

Patna - 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-2202292, 025-83288 , lndore - 0741 1072, Ujjain - 0734 2560906, Ratlam - 07412 1072 , Mugalsarai - 05412-251258, 05412-254145 , Hajipur - 06224-272230 , Jhansi - 05101072 , Orai - 051621072 , Kanpur - 05121072 , Pokhrayan - 05113-270239