1. Early Saturday morning, 20 coaches of the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen stations in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Initial reports suggest the derailment occurred after the train’s engine struck an object on the tracks.
3. The incident has led to significant disruptions with several trains cancelled and investigations underway.
Kanpur, Aug 17: In a significant rail accident early Saturday morning, 20 coaches of the Ahmedabad-bound Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen stations in Uttar Pradesh.
As per initial reports, the derailment occurred after the train’s engine struck an object on the tracks.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the engine “hit an object placed on the track and derailed.” According to Kanpur ADM Rakesh Verma, 22 bogies were impacted, but no injuries have been reported so far.
Also Read: Former Meghalaya CM Salseng C Marak Passes Away at 82
The derailment took place at around 2:29 AM, roughly 30 minutes after the train departed from Kanpur Central. It is suspected that a boulder hit the front portion of the engine, leading to severe damage.
The loco pilot reported that the cattle guard of the engine was significantly bent.
In response, Indian Railways dispatched buses to help stranded passengers reach Kanpur, and alternative travel arrangements have been made to continue their journey to Ahmedabad. As a result of the derailment, seven trains have been cancelled, and three others have been diverted.
Authorities, including the Intelligence Bureau and Uttar Pradesh Police, are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the derailment. Emergency helpline numbers have been issued for affected passengers at various stations.
For updates, passengers can reach out to the emergency helplines provided by the Railways.
Emergency Helplines:
- Prayagraj: 0532-2408128, 0532-2407353
- Kanpur: 0512-2323018, 0512-2323015
- Mirzapur: 0544-22200097
- Etawah: 7525001249
- Tundla: 7392959702
- Ahmedabad: 07922113977
- Varanasi City: 8303994411
- Gorakhpur: 0551-2208088
