Raebareli, October 10: At least seven people have died while several were injured in Uttar Pradesh after six coaches of the New Farakka Express train got derailed near Harchandpur railway station on Wednesday morning. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has announced Rs 2 Lakh ex-gratia to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 compensation for those with serious injuries.

As per an ANI report, earlier in the day, the CM took cognisance of the train accident. He has further directed the DM, SP, health authorities and NDRF to provide all possible relief and rescue operations. Drones and long-range cameras were being used to monitor the situation at the site. Indian Railways Report Best Safety Record in 35 Years: Train Accidents & Derailment Figures Slump in 2017-18.

A team of doctors in an accident relief medical van was rushed to the site and emergency helpline numbers were also set up at the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction in Mughalsarai, officials said. Rescue teams were at the site of the accident. The injured passengers were taken to nearby hospitals.

All train lines on the route where the accident took place were blocked and officials feared that the casualties may rise.

In 2016, in a horrific accident, 150 people had died after the Indore-Patna Express got derailed in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur.

In April this year, the Indian Railways recorded the best safety record for the first time in 35 years. In the report, it was stated that the train accidents & derailment figures have slumped in 2017-18.

(With inputs from agencies)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2018 08:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).