14 die as two trains collide in UP

Fourteen people were killed and over a dozen were injured late Tuesday when a train didn't stop at a red signal and collided with another train in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur city, authorities said.

The horrific accident took place after Krishak Express did not halt at the signal, bringing it on the same track as Barauni Express.

It happened around 11.30 p.m. when the Barauni Express was passing the Nandanagar crossing.

Fourteen people were killed in the collision, Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda said Wednesday.

"...my deepest condolences for the families of 14 innocent people who lost their lives," the minister said in a tweet.

The driver of the Krishak Express was to halt at the 'home signal', but he apparently crossed the red signal, leading to the head on collision with the Barauni Express, officials said.

As a result of the collision, five unreserved general class coaches of the Barauni Express derailed. The Krishak Express tore through the fifth coach and badly damaged the sixth, seventh and the eight coach of the Barauni Express.

Drivers of the Krishak Express Ram Bahadur and Satyajeet Kumar escaped from the accident site, an official told IANS.

Gowda said: "It was loco pilot's mistake who neglected the signal. The loco pilot has been suspended. Strict action will be taken for negligence."

Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the North-Eastern Railways (NER) Alok Singh admitted that the drivers of the Krishak Express overshot the red signal. A probe has been ordered by the Railway Board, he said.

Gas cutters and cranes were pressed into service and the Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel stationed nearby joined the rescue operations.