20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derails near Kanpur

At least 20 coaches of the Sabarmati Express passenger train derailed in Uttar Pradesh in the wee hours of Aug 17, which was on the way to Jhansi.

The accident happened close to the Kanpur railway station. The rail route has been affected, but fortunately no casualties were recorded.

Emergency vehicles, including fire trucks and ambulances, were sent to the location, and a careful examination of the train revealed no injuries.

According to North Central Railway, the Sabarmati Express 19168 between Varanasi Junction and Ahmedabad derailed after hitting a boulder.

"At this time, no injuries have been reported. According to the loco pilot, a boulder struck the engine's cow guard (front part), causing it to be severely damaged and bent," said an official.

According to the railways, seven trains have been cancelled and three diverted as a result of the incident.

"The railways are arranging for a bus to transport passengers to another station, from where they will be sent onward by a special train," said a police officer.

Shashi Kant Tripathi, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the North Central Railway Zone, said that buses had been arranged to take people from the accident site to Kanpur Railway Station.

"Besides, an eight-coach MEMU train departed from Kanpur to the accident site to carry passengers back to Kanpur so that further arrangements can be made to send them to their respective destinations," said Tripathi.

The Railways has released the following helpline numbers: Prayagraj: 0532-2408128, 0532-2407353, Kanpur: 0512-2323018, 0512-2323015, Mirzapur: 054422200097, Etawah: 7525001249, Tundla: 7392959702, Ahmedabad: 07922113977, Banaras City: 8303994411, Gorakhpur: 0551-2208088.

Additionally, the helpline numbers for the Jhansi Rail Division have been released. Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Jn: 0510-2440787 and 0510-2440790.