Sonia Gandhi expresses grief over loss of lives in UP train accident

New Delhi, May 26: Congress president

on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in Gorakhdham Express accident and hoped that the Railways was taking all possible steps to help the affected passengers and their families.

"Sonia Gandhi has expressed shock and grief over the unfortunate accident of Gorakhdham Express near Khalilabad in UP today. Anguished at death of passengers, Gandhi extended condolences to the family of the dead and wished a speedy recovery to those injured," the party said in a release.

Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences over the deaths. In a tweet, he said he had asked the Cabinet Secretary to take stock of the situation and ensure that those who got injured in the accident got timely assistance.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also expressed grief over the deaths.

At least 20 passengers were today feared killed as the Gorakhdham Express rammed into a stationary freight train in the district.

Gandhi also expressed the hope that railways was taking steps for relief

The incident occurred this morning when the express train came on the same track as the freight train near Chureb Railway Station. Officials in the Railway Board said the mishap occurred due to derailment of the express train. They said six coaches of the train then rammed into a stationary goods train standing on the adjoining track at the station.

Out of the six coaches, four were general coaches and two were AC coach-- AC first class and AC two tier. Railways has ordered an inquiry into the mishap by Commissioner Railway Safety (Northeast circle) P K Bajpayee.

They have also ordered a compensation of Rs one lakh to the family of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured. A sum of Rs 10,000 will be given to those who sustained minor injuries. Medical teams have rushed to the spot.

PTI