NEW DELHI -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered his condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the horrific derailing of the Patna-Indore express in Kanpur today, in which over 100 people have been killed.
At least 14 coaches of the Patna-Indore Express derailed near Pukhrayan area in Kanpur early on Sunday morning.
Taking to Twitter, the Prime Minister said:
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Additional Director General (law and order) Daljeet Singh Choudhary confirmed to ANI that the death toll has risen to 63.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted that an enquiry has been ordered into the accident and that strict action will be taken against all those responsible.
The Union Minister further said that ex-gratia will be announced for the unfortunate passengers who lost their lives and also to those who were injured.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh offered his condolences saying he was deeply pained by the loss of lives and that his thoughts are with the bereaved families.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to personally monitor the relief operations.
Meanwhile, Railways Ministry spokesperson Anil Saxena told ANI that several people have been rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, and the casualties may go up.
(This is a developing story. More details are awaited.)
Also On HuffPost:
