27 dead and 100 injured as Dehradun-Varanasi Express derails

In an unfortunate accident today, Dehradun-Varanasi Express, train, derailed from tracks, causing the death of 27 and injuring 100. The accident occurred at Bachharwan station near Rae Bareli at around 9.10 AM in the Lucknow-Rae Bareli section of Lucknow Division of Northern Railways today.

While the train was entering Bachharwan station, the loco pilot of the train overshot the signal and entered into the sand hump, causing derailment of train engine and two coaches. Injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The accident site is about 30 kilometres from Rae Bareli. The Division Railway Manager of Lucknow Division along with branch officer and doctors proceeded for the accident site immediately after the accident to ensure speedy rescue and relief operation. Accident Relief Medical train and Accident Relief Train were immediately rushed to the accident site.

The Minister of Railway Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, caught up in his Parliamentary duties has directed Chairman, Railway Board, A.K.Mital, and concerned Members of the Railway Board and General Manager Northern Railway to rush to the accident site. The Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha also visited the accident site. Suresh Prabhu has expressed his profound grief over the loss of innocent lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2/- lakh to the next kin of the dead, Rs. 50,000/- each to grievously injured passengers and Rs. 20,000 to those who sustained simple injuries.

An inquiry has been ordered by Railways under Commissioner Railway Safety, Northern Circle, to ascertain the cause of the accident.