Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express derails near Kanpur, 13 injured

As many 13 people were injured as 12 coaches of the Howrah-New Delhi Poorva Express derailed near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh at 12.30 am early on Saturday. The train bound for New Delhi derailed near Rooma railway station under Maharajpur police station in the Kanpur Nagar district. Four of the 12 derailed Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches overturned, the railway officials said. The coaches that derailed were  S8, S9, B1-B5, H1, A1, A2, 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. Rescue operations are underway. The district magistrate, senior superintendent of police and other senior officials reached the spot and are supervising the rescue operation. An 'accident relief train' and medical teams from Allahabad and Kanpur have departed for the site, the officials said. The Railways Ministry on Saturday said that a relief train with 900 passengers on board has left Kanpur. 

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.

Three critically injured people were admitted to the trauma centre of Hallet Hospital while 12 others were also given treatment, UP government officials said, adding that 52 people were given first aid.

The accident ha led to the cancellation of one train on the route and diversion of 13 others. Buses were arranged to take passengers to Kanpur Central. Railway authorities have said that they are arranging a train for passengers from Kanpur to Delhi, news agency ANI reported.

Kanpur: Morning visuals from the spot where 12 coaches of Poorva Express, plying from Howrah to New Delhi, derailed near Rooma village at around 1 am today. No casualties reported. pic.twitter.com/sFw0jZvVib

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 20, 2019

"No casualties, no serious injuries. All the passengers have been evacuated. Accident Relief Train (ART) & Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) dispatched to the accident site. The main route has been impacted due to derailment", ANI quoted Smita Vats Sharma, ADG PR, Indian Railways, as saying.

One National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team of 45 persons had reached the spot.

Poorva Express derailment: One National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team of 45 persons has reached the spot. Rescue operation underway. pic.twitter.com/b69w3AiwnB

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 19, 2019

The railways helpline numbers are:

• 1072 
• 9454403738
• 9454401463
• 9454401075
• 9454400384
• 0512-23333111/112/113

Recounting the incident, a passenger said there was a loud sound and everyone fell off their seats. Another passenger said he got out of the window of the train after the accident. Meanwhile, the Up line (Howrah to Delhi) line will be restored around 4 pm on Saturday, the CPRO North Central Railways said.