Fourteen coaches of the train travelling with more than 500 passengers rolled off track a little after 3 am in Pukhraya, 100 km from Kanpur, when most passengers were sleeping. At least 100 passengers were killed and 76 seriously injured. Witnesses were jolted awake when they heard a bang and were thrown around. "We heard a deafening noise...I am lucky to be alive and safe," a passenger said.

Four coaches of the train, S1, S2, S3, S4 ,were badly damaged in the mishap. Most of the passengers were jolted out of their sleep to find themselves among mangled remains of the bogies. A team of Army doctors and rescue officials have arrived at the spot. Around 250 police officials are also involved in carrying out the rescue and relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in the train tragedy.  It is feared that the number of deaths will rise because rescuers have not been able to access one of the coaches.