ICC Note:

Following one of the worst train crashes in India’s recent history, Christian leaders are expressing their sorrow for the victims lost in the crash. According to reports, as many as 133 are confirmed dead in the train crash with that number expected to rise. Yesterday, a train traveling through India’s Uttar Pradesh state derailed in the early morning hours. Christians, who face persecution from radical Hindu nationalists, remain connected to the nation of India and have taken the time to pray for those lost in the crash.  

11/21/2016 India (Asia News) – “We are very saddened by this tragic incident”, says Mgr. Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCI) commenting on yesterday’s train disaster near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

“What happened – he says – is especially important because the railways are the common man’s means of transportation”.  The Indian bishops conference, “offers its heartfelt Condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and prays for the eternal repose of these dear departed. We also pray for those injured in the accident that the Almighty may grant them complete and quick healing”.

Yesterday’s disaster is one of the worst in recent years. Around 3 am (local time) the Indore-Patna train derailed near Kanpur, for reasons yet to be determined. Hundreds of rescue workers rushed to the area and immediately understood the gravity of the situation: carriages had crumpled on each other, overturning, victims and wounded were trapped in the wreckage.

The provisional toll, set to rise, is about 133 confirmed dead and 180 wounded, 56 of them in critical condition. At the time of the derailment, there were more than 2,500 passengers on the train – one of the busiest sections of northern India – located mainly in the first two carriages which disintegrated on impact.

The convoy consisted of 14 wagons, probably old and poorly maintained. Although the causes of the incident are unclear, local newspapers reported the presence of a break in the tracks, which would have resulted in overturning the carriages.

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