UP train accident kills over 30

The mishap occurred at around 9.10 am while the train was at Bachharwan station near Ra Bareli in the Lucknow-Rae Bareli section of Lucknow Division of Northern Railways, offici8als said.

"While this 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," read a government statement.

"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," it said.

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, who is attending to his Parliamentary duties constantly monitored the situation personally and directed Chairman, Railway Board,A.K.Mital, and concerned Member Railway Board and General Manager Northern Railway to rush to the accident site. 

Prabhu has expressed his profound grief over the loss of innocent lives.

He has 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.

The Minister also tweeted: "This budget I focused on Safety as I feel saddened by loss of life and injuries to our valued passengers. We must modernise crumbling infra. We are prioritising Safety as thrust area. I Thus are even sourcing extra budget money for improving rail safety and ageing infrastructure."

He said: "Neglect of past or limited budget resource can't be the reason for accidents, though it takes some time to neutralise past inaction we will."

Helpline numbers are - at site Bachhravan-09794845621, Dehradun-0135-2624002, Lucknow-09794830973, Varanasi-9542-2503814, Pratapgarh-0534-2223830, Rae Bareli-0535-2211224, Haridwar-0134-226477, 226479, Barelly-0581-2558161, 2558162 for information and assistance.