At least 63 people were killed and more than 100 injured as 14 coaches of the Indore-Patna Express ran off the tracks today near Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh this morning. The incident took place at around 3am near Pukhrayan, about 100 kms from Kanpur. The officials are expecting that the death toll to rise as the rescue operations are underway.

A DGP-rank officer is monitoring the rescue operations, sources said. "Over 150 injured people have been rushed to nearby hospitals in the area. All hospitals have been asked to be on alert. More than 30 ambulances are pressed into service," the IG said, adding that over 250 police officials are helping carrying out rescue and relief operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had spoken to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who was monitoring the situation closely. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu tweeted about the accident saying an inquiry had been ordered into the incident and announced compensation for the victims. "Strictest possible action will be taken against those who could be responsible," he said.