Eight coaches of Rajya Rani Express derail near Rampur, 2 injured

Eight coaches of the Meerut-Lucknow Rajya Rani Express derailed near Rampur in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday leaving at least two passengers injured, railway officials said.

The accident happened between Mundha Pande and Rampur railway stations, Northern railway spokesperson Neeraj Sharma said.

He said while two passengers — Amit Katiyar and Megh Singh — have been injured there was no casualty in the accident.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced a compensation of Rs. 50,000 for each of the injured passengers and also ordered an enquiry to ascertain causes behind the accident.

“Personally monitoring situation. Directed senior officers to rush to the spot. Ensure speedy relief and rescue operations (sic),” he tweeted.

Mr. Prabhu said strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Moradabad Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) reached the spot to oversee the rescue and relief operations. A medical team has also reached, Mr. Sharma said.

The railways have operationalised help line numbers at different stations to facilitate communication between passengers and their relatives.

Helpline numbers are: Meerut (0121-2401215), New Delhi (011-23341074, 23342954), Old Delhi (011-23962389, 23967332), Nizamuddin (011-24359748), Moradabad (1072), Bareilly (0581- 2558161, 2558162), Lucknow (09794830975, 05222-37677).