New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS): Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh spoke to Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu about the derailment of the Indore-Patna express train on Sunday morning that has killed over 50 persons.

He also directed National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to rush to the spot.

"Union Home Minister spoke to the Railways Minister about the derailment. Directed the NDRF to rush to the spot," K S Dhatwalia, Additional Director General (Home Affairs), Press Information Bureau, said in a text message.

Rajnath Singh tweeted: "I have spoken to DG (Director General) NDRF and instructed him to rush NDRF teams to Pukhrayan. He is also leaving for Pukhrayan to oversee the rescue ops."

"Deeply pained by the loss of lives caused by the derailment of Patna- Indore Express near Kanpur. My thoughts are with the bereaved families," he added.

The accident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on Sunday morning near Pukhraya station in Kanpur.

Fourteen coaches were derailed.