“I have spoken to DG NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops”, said Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
More than 200 people are also reportedly injured in Indore-Patna express train derailment.
"Indore-Patna Rajendra Nagar Express train accident is unfortunate.Deep condolences to the bereaved families.We are monitoring the situation", tweeted Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh ShivrajSingh Chouhan.
"Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," tweeted PM Narendra Modi.
"Prayers with those injured in the tragic train accident. I've spoken to Suresh Prabhu, who is personally monitoring the situation closely," PM said.
Fourteen coaches of the Indore-Patna express train has derailed today near Pukhrayan area in Kanpur. As per the latest report, over 100 people have died in the accident.
The incident took place at around 3 AM near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from here.
Northern Central Railways spokesperson Vijay Kumar said that doctors and senior railway officials have reached the spot. The cause of the derailment was not known immediately.
Buses are pressed into service to help passengers complete their journey, Kumar said, adding that there are possibilities of casualties in the S2 coach which is severely damaged.
District administration along with railway officials are carrying out rescue and relief operations. Four AC coaches have also been derailed, he added.
Meanwhile, DIG (Kanpur range) Rajesh Modak said that two bogies of the train have been severely damaged and many people are feared dead.
UP CM Akhilesh Yadav has directed DGP to personally monitor the relief operations.
“Senior officials and medical team have been rushed to the spot; we are in contact with distt officials”, said A Saxena, Indian Railways spokesperson.
Coaches which derailed are Seating cum Luggage Rake,GS,GS,A1,B1/2/3,BE,S1/2/3/4/5/6, said Indian Railways.