All trains on the route have been halted and officials suspect that the number of casualties may rise
New Delhi/Lucknow: At least seven people were killed as nine coaches and the engine of the New Farakka Express derailed near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.
Several people are feared to be trapped, while over 30 are said to be injured.
The accident took place near Harchandpur in Rae Bareli district at around 6:05 am.
A team of doctors in an Accident Relief Medical Van has been rushed to the site in Lucknow and emergency helpline numbers have been set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Mughalsarai, officials said.
All trains on the route have been halted and officials suspect that the number of casualties may rise.
Meanwhile, sources said that the Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani was on his way to the accident site.
Taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the district magistrate, the superintendent of police, health authorities and the NDRF to provide all possible assistance to relief and rescue operations.
Adityanath expressed his condolences for the deceased and directed to the director general of police to take all necessary action.
Emergency helpline numbers have been set up at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction and Patna station.
Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction:
BSNL - 05412-254145
Railway - 027-73677
Patna Station:
BSNL - 0612-2202290, 0612-2202291, 0612-220229
Railway - 025-83288
With agency inputs
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