Four killed as New Farakka Express derails near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh

At least four people were killed as eight coaches and the engine of the New Farakka Express (14003) derailed near Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh Wednesday, Northern Railway Divisional Railway Manager Satish Kumar said.

The accident took place near Harchandpur in Rae Bareli district at around 6.05 am, he said.

A team of doctors in an Accident Relief Medical Van has been rushed to the site in Lucknow and emergency helpline numbers have been set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction, Mughalsarai, officials said.

All up and down lines on the route have been blocked and officials suspect that the number of casualties may rise.

Previously, the railways had said that six coaches have derailed.

Meanwhile, sources said Chairman Railway Board Ashwani Lohani was on his way to the accident site.

Taking note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the district magistrate, superintendent of police, health authorities and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide all possible assistance to relief and rescue operations, an official spokesperson said.

The chief minister expressed his condolences for the deceased and directed to the director general of police to take all necessary action, he added.