Uttar Pradesh: New Farakka Express derails near Rae Bareli, 7 dead

At least seven people died as eight coaches and the engine of the New Farakka Express (14003) derailed near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, October 10, Additional Director General (ADG), Law and order, Anand Kumar said.

The accident took place in Harchandpur area of Rae Bareli district at 6.10 am and at least 35 people were injured, he said. The injured are being taken to the Harchandpur PHC and district hospital.

The passengers are going to Lucknow and from there they will be sent to Delhi by a special train, officials 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, the ADG said.

A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team comprising 40 personnel has reached the accident site.

Two passengers trapped in the bogies were feared dead, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Anand Kumar said. Heavy duty gas cutters were being used to extricate the bodies and all those still trapped in the damaged coaches.

The death toll was expected to rise as several have been critically injured.

Rescue operations were being handled by NDRF teams from Allahabad and Varanasi, who were rushed to the scene of the accident, the official added.

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

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

The authorities have been directed to ensure prompt relief and rescue operations. Chairman of the Railway Board Ashwani Lohani would be visiting the accident site.

According to the passengers, the train derailed after a loud noise. People from nearby villages were first responders on the accident site.

With IANS and PTI inputs

*developing story