New Farakka Express derailment: Delhi auto drivers offer free rides to passengers

Press Trust of India  |  New Delhi 

As a special train carrying around 1,369 passengers of the ill-fated New Express, which derailed near Rae Bareilly, chugged into the New railway station on Wednesday, auto drivers queued up outside to ferry them to their destinations within the national capital and free of cost.

The auto drivers lined up their vehicles at the station at around 11 pm and offered free rides to the beleaguered passengers.

Railways too made arrangements for food, water and even had medical staff on standby. Golf carts were pressed into service and wheelchairs provided to help the elderly and sick passengers.

A help booth was also setup. Civil defence volunteers and traffic marshals were also deployed to help passengers with transport arrangements.

At least seven people were killed and nine others seriously injured as nine coaches and the engine of the New Express (14003) derailed near earlier on Wednesday, (ADG), Law and Order, said.

The accident took place in Harchandpur area of district at 6.10 am, when the train was on its way from Malda in to New

Around 30-35 people sustained minor injuries while four are critical, Kumar said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Thu, October 11 2018. 00:15 IST