Deadliest Train Collision in Over a Decade: 207 Killed, 900 Injured in Odisha Accident
On Friday, a devastating train accident occurred in Odisha, India, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 207 lives and leaving around 900 individuals injured. This incident marks the deadliest railway accident in the country in over a decade. The death toll is expected to rise further, as stated by Pradeep Jena, the Chief Secretary of the state, in a tweet.
Sudhanshu Sarangi, the director general of the fire department in Odisha, informed Reuters that 207 bodies have been recovered thus far. The accident took place near the Bahanaga Railway Station in Balasore, when an express train derailed, adding to the scale of the disaster.
In response to this heart-wrenching tragedy, the Odisha government has declared a day of mourning on Saturday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolences and announced that there would be no state celebrations held on this day, emphasizing the need to honor and grieve for the victims of the train accident. The entire state stands united in mourning the loss of lives and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday said he has ordered a high-level probe into the derailment on Friday night.
Speaking to ANI on the incident, Vaishnaw said the accident was unfortunate and the rescue operation began shortly after word of the incident reached his ministry.
He said the probe was ordered to determine what caused the derailment of the passenger train coaches.
CM Patnaik to visit site
After taking stock of the rescue operation, CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday said, “I will be flying there early tomorrow to personally oversee the effort.”
Deeply anguished’: President’s reaction
“Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured,” President Droupadi Murmu tweeted.
Helpline numbers
Helpline numbersThe helpline numbers are: Howrah – 033-26382217, Kharagpur – 8972073925 & 9332392339, Balasore – 8249591559 & 7978418322, Shalimar – 9903370746, Santragachi – 8109289460 & 8340649469, Bhadrak – 7894099579 & 9337116373, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road – 9676974398, Cuttack – 8455889917, Bhubaneswar – 06742534027, Khurda Road – 6370108046 & 06742492245.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each from the PMNRF to the next of kin of all deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.