Train number 19321 derailed at Phukraya-Malasa section of the Jhansi kanpur zone (PTI Image)

In what can be called as the worst train accident in recent years, train number 19321, the Patna bound Indore-Patna express has derailed killing more than 120 passengers and injured more than 200. Some of those injured are suffering bruises of grievious nature. The unfortunate event took place at the Phukraya-Malasa of the Jhasi-Kanpur section at around 3:10 am of Sunday November 20. According to sources in the railway ministry the tragedy took place due to rail fracture. Coach no S1, S2, S3 and S4 were among the worst affected due to the accident.

After coming to know about it, concerns and worries started to flow in with the railway minister Suresh Prabhu rushing on to the spot of the accident. Commissioner of Kanpur zone Iftikharuddin said that over 150 people have been rushed to the hospitals which are nearby the accident spot and all hospitals have been put on alert.

Authorities in the central government like the home ministry railway ministry had jumped immediately as the news of the dreaded derailment surfaced. Home minister Rajnath Singh had immediately deployed the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) for conducting rescue operation.

I have spoken to DG NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 20, 2016

Here are the updates:

The ministry of railways have released important helpline numbers for the relatives of the passengers who either got killed in the accident or are facing grievous injuries.

Derailment of train no 19321 Indore -RJPB B/W Phukraya-Malasa at 3:10 Jhasi-Kanpur section. Help line nos are below pic.twitter.com/QTUIUy4xkB

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) November 20, 2016

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakhs for the dead and Rs 50,000 for the injured which is over and above the financial assistance announced by the railways.

PM @narendramodi has announced ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed in the rail accident in Uttar Pradesh

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) November 20, 2016

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu through a tweet had issued warning that the perpetrators of this incident will be dealt with strictly.

Strictest possible action will be taken against those who could be responsible for accident,All possible mobilisation for relief initiated

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) November 20, 2016