A devastating loss of life and numerous injuries have occurred due to a train derailment near Balasore’s Bahanaga Bazar, leaving the nation in shock and mourning. The authorities swiftly launched a large-scale rescue operation to save those trapped in the derailed coaches. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared a one-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the victims. Efforts are currently underway to restore normalcy and investigate the cause of the accident.
This is one of the most horrific #TrainAccident.
One train collided with a luggage train.
Few compartments fell on the adjacent track.
Another train coming on the adjacent track collided with the fallen compartments.Everything within 3 minutes.#BalasoreTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/LN0tYto1CD
— Shashank Shekhar Jha (@shashank_ssj) June 3, 2023
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided an update on the tragic incident involving the derailment of the Coromandel Express and its subsequent collision with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express. Regrettably, nearly 300 individuals have lost their lives as a result of the accident. Over 900 people sustaining injuries. Vaishnaw announced the successful completion of the rescue operation and a shift towards restoring normalcy.
During his visit to the accident site on Saturday, Vaishnaw demonstrated a strong commitment to uncovering the root cause of the rail accident. He issued an order for the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), South East Circle, an organization under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Rescue Operation and Immediate Response
The accident took place on Friday night, prompting the immediate dispatch of emergency response teams to the scene. Rescue workers, including local authorities, police, and medical teams, tirelessly worked to extricate survivors from the wreckage. The operation lasted several hours and involved the utilization of heavy machinery.
Casualties and Injuries
Tragically, the Odisha train mishap has claimed a significant number of lives, with nearly 300 individuals losing their lives. The number of casualties continues to rise. Over 900 individuals have sustained injuries of varying degrees. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals and medical facilities for treatment. Medical staff from AIIMS worked diligently to provide the necessary care and support to the survivors.
State Mourning
Recognizing the magnitude of the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced a one-day state mourning. The state mourning served as a solemn tribute to the victims and expressed solidarity with their families in their time of grief. During this period, the state flags were flown at half-mast. Public functions and celebrations were suspended as a mark of respect.
Restoration Work and Investigation
Following the conclusion of the rescue operation, the focus has shifted towards restoration work and the investigation of the Odisha train mishap ‘s cause. Authorities are committed to restoring normalcy in the affected region. They are ensuring the timely resumption of train services.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a possible signal failure might be the cause of the accident.
According to the findings of a joint inspection report, the Coromandel Express initially received a green signal, allowing it to proceed through the main line. However, the signal was later withdrawn, resulting in the train inadvertently entering the loop line where a stationary goods train was situated. The collision caused the derailment of the Coromandel Express. Subsequently, the arrival of the Yashwantpur superfast train led to the derailment of two of its coaches as well.
PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting on a train accident in Odisha’s Balasore. He reviewed the situation in relation to the Balasore Train Accident. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, NDRF DG Atul Karwal. The Prime Minister will also visit the train accident… pic.twitter.com/DgkXN4PEpL
— Eagle Eye (@SortedEagle) June 3, 2023
Meanwhile, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting on a train accident in Odisha’s Balasore. He reviewed the situation in relation to the Balasore Train Accident. The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, NDRF DG Atul Karwal. The Prime Minister will also visit the train accident site in Odisha today.
Our prayers to out to the families affected by this tragedy!