Utkal Express accident: PM Modi expresses grief, says his thoughts are with families of deceased | Top reactions

Fourteen coaches of Puri-Haridwar Utkal Express have derailed on Saturday near Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh. The accident caused many deaths and injuries.

Here are the top reactions:

# Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Extremely pained by the derailment of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. Railways Ministry and UP Govt are doing everything possible and providing all assistance required in the wake of the train derailment.

# President Ram Nath Kovind

Sad at train derailment in UP; my thoughts are with deceased and their families. Injured are being rescued and provided relief.

# Pranab Mukherjee

Pained at the tragic accident of Kalinga-Utkal Express. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victims.

# Rahul Gandhi

Shocked to know about the unfortunate accident of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts with the families who lost their loved ones.

# Akhilesh Yadav

We are with the families of victims. I appeal to central and state governments to ensure relief works at the earliest.

# Yogi Adityanath

No exact numbers on casualties. Our two ministers Satish Mahana and Suresh Rana sent to the spot. Unfortunate incident, we are in constant touch with the Rail Ministry.

# Suresh Prabhu

Spoke to UP CM requesting for rescue op, he's doing all possible, working closely with all authorities to help. Have ordered inquiry to ascertain the cause. Strict action will be taken against any lapse. 

# Lalu Prasad Yadav

How will people travel, there is guarantee of safety. Railway Minister should resign.

# Mamata Banerjee

Deaths due to accidents pain us all. Condolences to families who lost loved ones. Safety must always be No 1 priority of Indian Railways.

# Kalraj Mishra

Grieved to know about the derailment of Utkal Express near Muzaffarnagar. Prayers for the families who lost their loved ones and those injured.

# Yogendra Yadav‏

Deeply saddened by the news of derailment of Utkal Express near Muzaffarnagar. My prayers with the bereaved families.

# Manoj Sinha

I am pained by the derailment news of Kalinga Utkal Express in Khatauli and all relief arrangements are being made.

# Naveen Patnaik‏

Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in Kalinga #Utkal Express in Puri. My thoughts and prayers with victims’ families and the injured.

# Poonam Mahajan‏

Pained to know about the derailment of Utkal Express. My prayers for speedy recovery of the injured passengers.

# Dr. Mahesh Sharma

Deeply pained to hear that Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar. My Payers for safety and speedy recovery of all affected.

# Anand Kumar, ADG Law & Order

More than 50 injured. ATS sent there as precautionary measure, no confirmation of terrorism angle.

# Sanjeev Balyan, MP Muzaffarnagar

I have seen few dead bodies, can't say the exact number, many injured. Manoj Sinha ji has left from Delhi.

# Dharmendra Pradhan

PM is monitoring it, has talked to Railway Minister and UP CM. MLA from Odisha Ravi Naik will visit spot.

# Randeep S Surjewala

Heartfelt condolences to families of victims of Utkal Express. Railway safety under a serious cloud as innocents suffer.

# Shatrughan Sinha

My prayers with the bereaved families. Very saddening to hear of the derailment of Utkal Express.

# Vasundhara Raje

Pained by the news of derailment of Utkal Express. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured.

# Jagat Prakash Nadda

Extremely saddened to know about tragic accident of the Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased.

# Dr Raman Singh

Deeply saddened by the derailment of Utkal Express in Muzaffarnagar. My prayers are with the passengers & their families.