New Delhi, Nov 20 

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday ordered an enquiry after the Patna-Indore express derailed near Kanpur, in which over 45 people were killed and said strictest action would be taken against those responsible.

"Enquiry team will start investigation for cause of accident immediately. All necessary assistance provided to the affected, We are taking care," Prabhu tweeted.

"Strictest possible action will be taken against those who could be responsible for accident. All possible mobilisation for relief initiated," the minister wrote in another tweet.

At least 45 people were killed when 14 coaches of the Patna-Indore Express derailed here early on Sunday.

The accident occurred shortly after 3 a.m. near Pukhraya station in Kanpur, senior police officer Daljeet Chowdhary said.