On a day when Uttar Pradesh reported three train accidents in less than 12 hours, the derailing of 13 coaches of the Vasco Da Gama Express linking Goa and Patna was one of them. The incident resulted in the death of 9 passengers while 9 others were seriously injured.

The incident took place between Manikpur and Panta Railway Stations in U.P. at 04:18 a.m. when the Patna-bound Vasco Da Gama Express from Goa derailed at a time when all the passengers were in deep sleep. The train derailed soon after it moved out of Manikpur Station in Chitrakoot District.  Preliminary investigations revealed a ‘fractured track’ as the cause of derailment.

Railways have announced an ex-gratia of Rs.5 lakhs to the next of kin of those killed in the unfortunate accident. Seriously injured have been given Rs.50000 while those with minor injuries have been provided Rs.25000 each.

Other incidents occurred near Amethi Railway Station when a local train hit a Bolero vehicle carrying people from a marriage function killing four persons on the spot. Later, a goods train plying between Paradeep and Cuttack derailed its track in between Goraknath and Raghunathpur. No loss of life was reported.