Patna-Indore Express tragedy 'unfortunate' says Chhattisgarh CM

New Delhi: Dubbing the Patna-Indore Express derailment tragedy as `unfortunate, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Raman Singh, on Sunday, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and said that the relief work is going on at a rapid pace.

"It`s an unfortunate incident. I express my condolences. The relief work is going on at a rapid pace," Singh said. 

Meanwhile, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, has expressed grief over loss of lives in the train accident at Pukhrayan near Kanpur. 

He said that he is deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train.

"I am deeply grieved and shocked at the tragic loss of life and injuries to passengers resulting from the derailment of the Indore-Patna Express train that took place at Pukhrayan near Kanpur (U.P.) earlier today," Ansari said.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved families and pray to the Almighty to give them strength and fortitude to withstand this immense loss. I also wish speedy recovery to the injured passengers," Ansari added.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also offered their condolences to the bereaved kin of the victims.

Varanasi has issued a help line number 0542-2503814 to assist the families of the deceased and the injured.

A help desk has been set up at the Patna railway station to assist the family members of those onboard.

Meanwhile, the casualty rose to 97 even as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operation at the spot.

At least 153 people have been injured so far after the train derailed at the Hanshi-Kanpur intersection in Uttar Pradesh at 3.20 a.m.