Sonia Gandhi expresses distress over loss of lives in derailment

New Delhi: Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Sunday expressed deep distress over the loss of lives in the derailment of the Patna-Indore Express in Kanpur early this morning.

"Words can't describe the pain and anguish of those who lost their near and dear ones and the entire country stands in solidarity to share this unbearable sorrow," she said.

Gandhi hoped that rescue and relief operations were being effectively undertaken to save as many lives as possible and those injured were being given effective treatment.

The Congress chief expressed hope that railway authorities would undertake a thorough probe into the reasons that caused this enormous tragedy, fix responsibility and take suitable corrective action.

She has also asked the Congress unit to assist in the relief and rescue operations along with the authorities, and provide all assistance to those injured as also to the next of kin.

96 passengers were killed and 226 injured, 76 of them seriously, when 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express derailed near Pukhraya in Kanpur dehat district in the wee hours today.

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also condoled the loss of lives in the train accident.

In her condolence message, she said: "I am deeply saddened to know that several people have been killed and several others injured today when some coaches of the Indore-Patna express train derailed in Kanpur.

"I am in touch with the agencies concerned and I have been told that relief and rescue operations are underway, and all possible efforts are being made to provide aid to the bereaved families, who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to those who have been injured.

"I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish for speedy recovery of those who have been injured."