Leaders condole deaths in UP train accident (Third Lead)

President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Wednesday condoled the deaths in the collision of two trains in Uttar Pradesh.

At least 12 people were killed in the accident that took place around 11.30 p.m. Tuesday, after the Krishak Express jumped a signal, only to come on the same track on which the Barauni Express was running.

Earlier, Railways Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda had said 14 people had lost their lives in the accident.

In his message to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, the president said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about the accident in which a number of persons have lost their lives and some were injured, when two passenger trains collided...."

"I am sure that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones, as well as medical aid to the injured."

Modi, also in a message, expressed his condolences to the families of those who died or were grievously injured.

The prime minister also sanctioned an ex-gratia of Rs.200,000 each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, an official release said.

An official statement from the Congress said party president Sonia Gandhi expressed her condolences at the loss of lives in the unfortunate accident.

"Hoping that the injured are being provided adequate treatment and relief, Gandhi expressed concern over the rising incidents of train accidents," the statement said.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi also expressed grief over the accident.

An official statement from his office said his "thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this terrible tragedy".