NEW DELHI: Twenty coaches of the Sabarmati Express derailed between Kanpur and Bhimsen stations in Uttar Pradesh around 2:30 am today. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. The Railways have suggested the possibility of sabotage as a cause of the derailment. The incident led to the cancellation of seven trains and the diversion of three others.

The loco pilot reported that the front end of the train struck rocks placed on the tracks, resulting in damage. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw commented on the accident, stating that there was evidence indicating the train may have been hit by a sharp object.

"The engine of the Sabarmati Express (Varanasi to Ahmedabad) struck an object placed on the track and derailed near Kanpur at 2:35 am today. We are monitoring for signs of sabotage and evidence will be preserved. The Intelligence Bureau (IB) and UP Police have begun their investigation. Thankfully, no passengers or crew were injured. Another train has been arranged for passengers to continue their journey to Ahmedabad," the minister shared on social media.

Chief Public Relations Officer Shashi Kant Tripathi stated that an eight-coach MEMU train was dispatched from Kanpur to the accident site to transport passengers back to Kanpur. Government buses also arrived at the scene to assist passengers in reaching their respective destinations. In response to the incident, Railways has issued emergency helpline numbers for those seeking information.