20 coaches of Sabarmati Express derails in UP; several trains cancelled

Digital Desk: Twenty-two coaches of the Sabarmati Express, en route from Varanasi to Sabarmati, derailed near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, early Saturday morning, causing panic among passengers. The incident occurred shortly after the train left Kanpur, with the derailment taking place near Bhimsen at around 2:35 am.

Emergency response teams, including police and administrative personnel, promptly arrived at the scene. Notably, all passengers were safely evacuated, and no casualties were reported. The derailment has, however, resulted in the complete blockage of the railway route, which is a vital link for trains heading from Kanpur towards Mumbai.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the derailment was caused by the engine striking an object placed on the track. 

Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, "The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Amdavad) hit an object placed on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 02:35 am today. Sharp hit marks are observed. Evidence is protected. IB and UP police are also working on it."

The Indian Railways has dispatched buses to facilitate the transfer of passengers back to Kanpur.

Additionally, emergency helpline numbers have been issued for concerned stations, including Virangana Lakshmibai Jhansi Junction, Orai, Banda, and Lalitpur Junction, ensuring that passengers and their families can access necessary information.

An investigation into the incident is currently underway.