Jaunpur:
The Doon Express, on its way from Howrah to Dehradun, has derailed near Koridia village about 35 km from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh. At least five people have reportedly died and 10 have been injured in the accident.
A Northern Railway official said coaches 10 to 17 from the engine had derailed. Early reports from Kolkata said that five non-AC coaches of the train had "capsized" or were completely off the rails and lying on their sides. Railway sources said three more coaches had derailed, but not turned over. Among these three coaches is one AC two-tier coach and an AC three-tier coach.
The official said efforts were on to take people out of the affected coaches. The train has a total of 18 coaches, with around 60 people in each.
The cause of the accident, which happened at around 1.13 in the afternoon, is not known yet. Railway authorities say the driver reportedly saw an "obstruction" on the tracks.
The train derailed about 12 minutes after leaving Jaunpur. The accident site is near the Mahrawa station. The train had left Howrah in West Bengal last evening around 8 pm.
Relief teams have been rushed to the spot from Varanasi and Lucknow. This includes medical teams and a rescue train with equipment.
"Many people from the media and nearby villages are helping us. I think around 10 people might still be trapped. Those who have died include a child," a passenger told NDTV over the phone. "It felt like the train was travelling on a track full of stones," he added describing the time when the accident took place.
Railways Minister Mukul Roy has left Kolkata and is on his way to the accident site. He has ordered a high-level probe into the accident. "I have ordered a high-level inquiry to find out why such repeated accidents are happening. We will take serious steps to prevent such accidents," he said. The minister also announced compensation of Rs five lakh for the families of each of those killed; Rs one lakh for those injured and Rs 25,000 for those who have sustained minor injuries.
This is the second rail mishap in 10 days. At least 25 people were killed when the Hampi Express rammed a stationary goods train in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur on May 22.
Helpline numbers - Kolkata: 033- 26413660, 26402241, 26402242; Uttar Pradesh: 0522-2234533; Bandel: 033-26316377; Barddhaman: 0342-2561601