Pranab, Modi, Sonia condole deaths in UP train crash

New Delhi, May 26 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi and Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday condoled the death in a train accident in Uttar Pradesh.

"I am saddened to learn about the train accident in which a number of people lost their lives and some were injured near Khalilabad in Uttar Pradesh," the president said in a message to Governor B.L. Joshi.

"I am sure that the state government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured and all possible aid to the bereaved families, who lost their near and dear ones," he added.

Modi too expressed his condolences to the kin of those killed and spoke to a top official to "ensure timely assistance to those injured".

"My condolences to families of those who lost their lives in the Gorakhdham Express tragedy. Prayers with the injured," Modi tweeted.

"Spoke to the cabinet secretary. Asked him to take an overview of the situation and ensure timely assistance to those injured," he added.

Expressing "shock and grief" over the accident, Sonia Gandhi said she was "anguished at the death of passengers in the tragedy" and offered her condolences to the families of the dead.

She also wished a speedy recovery to those injured, said a statement from the Congress.

At least six people were killed and scores injured when the Gorakhdham Express train rammed into a stationary goods train in Sant Kabir Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh around 11 a.m.

Over 50 people have been admitted to various medical facilities and the casualties could increase, officials said.