Balasore train accident: More than 238 people have died and 900 injured in the Balasore train accident on Friday night. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to hospitals in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro, according to South Eastern Railway.
The horrific train accident took place on Friday evening at around 7 pm in Odisha’s Balasore when the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express collided with a goods train. As the Coromandel Express derailed, its 10 to 12 coaches fell onto the opposite track. Subsequently, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express collided with the derailed coaches, leading to the derailment of three to four of its own coaches.
Railway Minister, CM arrive
Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived at the spot on Saturday morning and took stock of the situation. He said current focus is on rescue and relief, restoration will begin soon. “Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry,” said Vaishnav after reaching the accident spot.
The railway ministry has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, Rs. 2 lakh to those severely injured, and Rs. 50,000 to those who sustained with minor injuries.
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also arrived at the accident spot in Balasore.
Last bogie being cut
Efforts were on to cut the only bogie left which was severely damaged after the horrific train accident in Odisha’s Balasore, state Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena told reporters. Jena said, seven NDRF, five ODRF, 24 fire service units along with local police and volunteers were carrying out the rescue operation.
Jena further said, identified bodies were either being handed over to their relatives or transported to their respective destinations after autopsy. Statutory procedure will be followed for the unidentified ones, he added.
Images from the crash site showed smashed train compartments torn open with blood-stained holes. Carriages had flipped over entirely in the crash late on Friday and rescue workers searched for survivors trapped in the mangled wreckage, with scores of bodies laid out under white sheets beside the tracks.
Italian embassy expresses condolences
Embassy of Italy in India expressed its deepest condolences to the people of India and the families of the victims of the train accident in Odisha.
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