France condoles Kanpur train tragedy

France has expressed condolences to the near and dear ones of the 133 victims of Sunday's train tragedy near the city of Kanpur and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

A statement issued by the spokesperson of French foreign ministry said, "It is with deep grief that we learnt of the Indore-Patna Express accident on 20th November in Kanpur, which claimed the lives of over one hundred people, according to the latest toll."

France has assured India of its solidarity in this terrible ordeal.

At least 133 passengers were killed while more than 180 persons were injured, out of which nearly 50 are reported to be grievously wounded, in the worst train accident in recent years when 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express derailed near Pukhrayan of Kanpur Dehat district in Uttar Pradesh yesterday due to suspected rail fracture.

Confirming the toll, District magistrate of Kanpur Dehat Ravi Kant Singh said, 104 bodies have been identified so far.

Most of the affected passengers of the Indore-Patna Express belong to Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

Director General, NDRF R.K. Pachnanda said, rescue and relief operations are in full swing at the accident site.

NDRF, police force and civil administration were engaged in relief work on war footing. Army is also assisting in rescue and other relief work.

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered a high level inquiry into the accident. Visiting the accident spot last evening, he asked officials to speed up the rescue and relief work.

Prabhu also visited Hallet hospital at Kanpur where the injured are being treated. Minister of state for Railways Manoj Sinha supervised the relief works.