A minimum of 20 coaches from the Sabarmati Express (Train number 19168), which was traveling to Ahmedabad, derailed in the vicinity of Kanpur during the early hours of Saturday. Following the incident, Indian Railways released a statement indicating that the derailment took place at approximately 2:30 AM in a block section situated between Kanpur and Bhimsen station.
On Saturday, officials reported that a train en route from Varanasi to Ahmedabad derailed on the holding line prior to reaching Govind Puri, located near Kanpur. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported at the site. The train’s driver indicated that the derailment may have been triggered by a boulder impacting the engine, which resulted in considerable damage to the engine’s cattle guard. Additional information regarding the incident is still pending.
Additionally, it is important to highlight that the railway officials reached the location late at night, and all passengers of the Sabarmati Express were securely transported to Kanpur by bus from the site of the incident. Moreover, an eight-coach MEMU train was dispatched from Kanpur to the accident location to facilitate the return of passengers to Kanpur, ensuring that arrangements could be made for their onward travel to their respective destinations.
Sharp hit marks are observed
The Union Railway Minister, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), provided further information regarding the accident. He stated, “At 02:35 am today, the engine of the Sabarmati Express, which was traveling from Varanasi to Amdavad, collided with an object on the tracks and subsequently derailed near Kanpur. Distinct impact marks have been noted. Measures to preserve evidence are in place. The Intelligence Bureau and Uttar Pradesh police are actively investigating the incident. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among passengers or staff. Arrangements have been made for passengers to continue their journey to Amdavad.”
Helpline number issued
In the aftermath of the accident, the Indian Railways has issued 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.