Train derailment tragic, trying to keep casualties at minimum: CM Akhilesh Yadav

Lucknow: Describing the Indore-Patna Express train derailment that claimed more than 97 lives as one of the "tragic" incidents to have ever occurred, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday, assured that the state government is taking all precautionary steps to keep the casualties at minimum.

"We sent the District Magistrate, IG and Commissioner to the spot. Besides, we have also sent several ambulances to ensure that the injured are treated immediately. We have been informed that the casualties may increase. I believe, the state government is responding well and providing all relief materials. Our aim is to rescue as many people as possible," he said.

Akhilesh also said, the state government is in constant touch with Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu.

The Chief Minister earlier announced an ex-gratia of Rs. five lakh to the families of the deceased, Rs. 50,000 for the seriously injured people and Rs. 25,000 for those with minor injuries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakhs from the Prime Minister`s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of those killed in the train tragedy.

The Prime Minister also announced Rs. 50,000 as compensation to the survivors. 

More than 150 people have been injured and are currently undergoing treatment in various local hospitals.

Five search and rescue teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been mobilised to Kanpur.