3rd LD Writethru: Toll in India train derailment rises to 30

The death toll from a passenger train derailing Friday morning in northern India has risen to 30, while around 150 were injured, some in critical conditions, said railway officials.

The deadly incident took place when the engine and two coaches of the Dehradun-Varanasi Janta Express derailed near Bachrawan railway station in Uttar Pradesh state's Rae Bareli, some 50 km from the state capital Lucknow.

According to preliminary reports, the locomotive driver apparently overshot the signal and as a result, the engine and two adjoining coaches derailed, railway spokesperson Anil Saxena said in Delhi.

After the incident took place, rescuers and villagers from nearby villages struggled to remove bodies crushed within the mangled coaches. Some bodies were pulled out from under the coaches.

The toll could further rise as some of the missing passengers were still trapped in the overturned coaches and some of the injured are fighting for their life.

Four medical teams with doctors, paramedics, and first-aid kits were rushed to the site. A total of 40 ambulances were also rushed to the spot.

Railways has ordered an inquiry and announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (3,220 U.S. dollars) for the next of kin of those killed in the accident.

Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu expressed his grief over the loss of lives and announced setting up of a helpline to assist the victims. Endi