The Varanasi-Ahmedabad train derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen railway station around 2.35 am. Rescue and relief operations are underway, officials said
In a post on X, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "The engine of Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Amdavad) hit an object 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. No injuries to passengers or staff. Train arranged for passengers for onward journey to Amdavad," Vaishnaw added
Railway Board officials said involvement of miscreants or anti-social elements is being looked into as prima facie it appears that the engine hit an object placed on track
"We found a foreign material near the 16th coach of the train. Looking at the size of the damaged portion of cattle guard of the engine, it seems that the engine hit this foreign object and derailed," an official said
"The loco pilot said that some boulder hit the cattle guard (front portion) of the engine which got badly damaged and bent," another official said
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