Kanpur: Two dead, several injured in Sealdah-Ajmer Express derailment

Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], Dec. 28 (ANI): At least two persons were killed and 28 others injured in Sealdah-Ajmer Express train derailment that took place near the Rura Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh' Kanpur this morning. As many as 15 coaches of Sealdah-Ajmer 12988 Express train derailed. "Two persons have died and 28 are injured after 15 coaches of Sealdah-Ajmer Express train derailed near Kanpur," Kanpur Inspector General Zaki Ahmad told ANI. The Indian Railways have issued helpline numbers in the wake of the incident. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said he is personally monitoring the situation, adding that he has directed the senior officials to reach the site immediately. "Immediate medical help being provided to the injured. Mobilized resources,directed all concerned to ensure rescue and relief. Thorough investigation will be carried out to ascertain the cause," Prabhu tweeted. The Railway Minister also announced ex-gratia to the injured. "All passengers are being provided with necessary assistance to ensure least inconvenience. Doing our best. Directed CRB, all Sr officials to personally ensure best possible help. Medical vans,relief vans were rushed immediately.Officers r on spot. Injured already started getting medical care,Doctors r attending to all. We r working with hospitals& dist admin to offer all possible help," he added. He further stated that the ministry is making alternate arrangements for the passengers to continue with their onward journey. Prabhu asserted a thorough probe to ascertain the cause of the untoward incident. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway at the accident spot. Following the train derailment, several trains have been diverted. (ANI)