NEW DELHI: Major train mishap which killed more than 115 persons In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, drew condolence messages from President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.
"I am sad to learn about the accident in which many have lost their lives and a number of persons are injured. I am sure that the state government is providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as medical aid to the injured," Mukherjee said in a message to state Governor Ram Naik.
The prime minister in a tweet said, "Anguished beyond words on the loss of lives due to the derailing of the Patna-Indore express. My thoughts are with the bereaved families." He said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is personally monitoring the situation and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the mishap from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.
Modi observed a two-minute silence to condole the loss of lives at the Rail Vikas Shivir in Surajkund on the outskirts of the national capital, asking the railways to work toward achieving the zero accident target.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed pain over the incident. He said there will be an inquiry to determine the cause.
Sonia Gandhi in her condolence message said, "Words can't describe the pain and anguish of those who lost their near and dear ones and the entire country stands in solidarity to share this unbearable sorrow." She asked the local Congress unit to assist the authorities in relief and rescue operations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh will be paid to next of kin of the deceased. "If the incident has taken place, first responsibility lies on the state government as hospitals, ambulances and the entire administration is of the state. We have fulfilled our responsibilities and our priority at present is to save maximum lives," he said.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar cancelled a function to release a report card of his government on completion of one year in office and expressed grief over the mishap.