Press Release! Suresh Prabhu Expresses His Profound Grief Over the Loss of Innocent Lives in Train Accident Near Rae Bareli

Eight Dead and 30 Injured in Derailment of Dehradun-Varanasi Express Train Enhanced Amount of Ex-Gratia of Rs. 2 Lakh to the Next Kin of the Dead Announced

In Uttar Pradesh, train No.14266 Dehradun-Varanasi Express running from Dehradun to Varanasi met with an accident at Bachharwan station near Ra Bareli in the Lucknow-Rae Bareli section of Lucknow Division of Northern Railways at around 9.10 AM today. 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. There is a confirmation of eight deaths so far in the accident and around 30 persons have been injured. Injured passengers have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The accident site is about 30 kilometres from Rae Bareli. 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. The Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, who is attending to his Parliamentary duties is constantly monitoring the situation personally and directed Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A.K.Mital, and concerned Member Railway Board and General Manager Northern Railway to rush to the accident site. He also directed the railway administration to effectively undertake rescue and relief operations and provide best medical care and all assistance to the injured. The Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha is also visiting the accident site. Shri Suresh 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 Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu is constantly in touch with the railway officials and local railway administration. 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. An inquiry has been ordered by Railways under Commissioner Railway Safety, Northern Circle, to ascertain the cause of the accident.