Train derailment in India kills 2, injures dozens

KANPUR, India, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- For the second time in just over a month, officials in India are dealing with the clean-up of a train derailment, though the number of people killed or hurt in a crash early Wednesday does not appear to be nearly as high as the last one.

Two people were killed and 43 injured when 15 cars of the Sealdah-Ajmer Express derailed near Kanpur early Wednesday morning as the train was crossing a bridge over a dry canal.

Officials suggested heavy fog may have played a role in the train accident, and India's railway minister, Suresh Prabhu, said he was personally monitoring the situation as those stuck in the crash were being offered a variety of assistance.

"A rescue team has rushed to the spot and a medical relief train from Kanpur has also been sent to the accident site," said Anil Saxena, a spokesperson for the railway ministry. "Currently we are focusing on relief and rescue operations."

The derailment happened just after 5 a.m. Wednesday, with 15 cars in the middle of the train derailing -- the first five and last three remained intact and on the tracks. Of the 15, 13 were sleeper cars and the other two were just for passengers.

The district health department nearby sent 14 ambulances and relief teams from Kanpur and Tundla, and buses were sent to take unhurt passengers to the Kanpur train station where they could continue on their days from there, Prabhu said.

"Ex gratia will be paid to injured," Prabhu tweeted. "All passengers are being provided with necessary assistance to ensure the least inconvenience."

The derailment is the second to hit India's rail system after more than 100 people were killed and 40 seriously wounded when another express train hopped the tracks in an area also near Kanpur.