Derailment of Sealdah – Ajmer Express near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh
The derailment of Train No 12987 Sealdah-Ajmer express took place near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh at Kanpur- Tundla section between Rura and Maitha Stations at 0522 hrs. The Accident site falls under Allahabad Division of North Central Railways. 15 coaches including (13 sleeper ie S1-S13 coaches and two general coaches) derailed. Accident Relief Train and Accident Relief Medical Van from Allahabad, Kanpur and Tundla rushed to site. Ambulances were arranged. NDRF team also joined in Relief and Rescue.
As per available information, 61 sustained injuries in this unfortunate incident which included 2 grievously injured. They were admitted to hospitals.
Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhu announced an enhanced ex-gratia payment of Rs. 50 Thousand for grievous injuries and Rs.25 Thousand in case of simple injuries. Statutory inquiry into this incident has been ordered to be conducted by Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Northern Circle, under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Under the direction of Minister of Railway, Member Rolling Stock, Railway Board, Shri Ravinder Gupta and Member Engineering, Railway Board Shri AK Mittal also rushed to the accident site.
Stranded passengers of the affected trains were later cleared towards their respective destinations. They were also provided with drinking water and snacks at Kanpur station by the Railway Administration. Due to this accident, the traffic on Kanpur – Etawah Section has been affected and Railways had to divert, short-terminate and cancel certain trains passing through this Section which are being notified by the respective Zonal Railways.
Senior Railway Officers of Allahabad division, North Central Railway Zone reached and supervised Relief and Rescue. Helpline Numbers were setup at the important stations along the route of the train.