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Triple Train Collision in Odisha Claims Lives of 288 and 1000 injured

Published by Venkata Jagan Chennu on

Triple Train Collision in Odisha Claims Lives of 288 and 1000 injured

Odisha state in eastern India was struck by a devastating train collision resulting in the loss of at least 288 lives and leaving approximately 1,000 individuals injured. The accident occurred on 2nd June Friday when a passenger train derailed onto an adjacent track and was subsequently struck by another incoming train, which also collided with a stationary freight train. This incident marks India’s most severe train crash in more than 20 years, and the cause remains unclear as authorities launch an investigation.

Source NDTV

The tragic event unfolded in Balasore district, where multiple carriages of the Coromandel Express, en route from Kolkata to Chennai, derailed on June 2nd at approximately 19:00 local time (13:30 GMT). The derailment occurred after the train collided with a stationary goods train, causing several coaches to veer onto the opposite track. Tragically, the Howrah Superfast Express traveling in the opposite direction from Yesvantpur to Howrah then collided with the overturned carriages.

Atul Karwal, Chief of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), described the immense force generated by the collision, leading to the crushing and mangled state of several coaches. Following the incident, a massive recovery operation involving hundreds of emergency workers commenced, tirelessly searching the wreckage for survivors. Over 200 ambulances, along with numerous doctors, nurses, and rescue personnel, were deployed to the scene to provide medical assistance and aid in the rescue efforts.

Survivors and eyewitnesses recount chaotic scenes and the heroic efforts of individuals from neighboring villages who risked their lives to save trapped passengers. Among the survivors, Suryaveer shared a harrowing experience of losing his mother in the accident. In a desperate attempt to locate her, he shared her photo and contact details with friends and acquaintances, eventually receiving the heartbreaking confirmation of her demise.

This tragic incident adds to a grim list of deadly train crashes in India’s history. The country boasts one of the world’s largest train networks, serving millions of passengers daily, yet significant improvements to railway infrastructure are needed. With the surge in travel during school holidays, trains often become overcrowded, underscoring the urgency for better safety measures.

The most catastrophic train disaster in India occurred in 1981 when an overcrowded passenger train was swept off the tracks by a cyclone in Bihar state, resulting in the loss of over 800 lives. This recent collision in Odisha has reignited discussions about the pressing need for enhanced safety and modernization of India’s railways.

Source Oneindia

Key highlights to read:

  • The injured were numerous, and nearly 50 ambulances were mobilized to transport them to hospitals. All medical colleges and hospitals in and around Balasore were put on high alert to handle the rising number of injured.
  • The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and other relief units were deployed to the site. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) of Odisha, along with senior officers, supervised the relief operations.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress and spoke with Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to receive updates on the situation. Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ex-gratia compensation of ₹10 lakhs for the families of the deceased and financial assistance for the injured.
  • Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal sent a team to Balasore to provide aid to the victims. She expressed shock over the accident.
  • President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and various other political leaders offered condolences and expressed their grief over the incident.
  • The Union Railways Minister ordered a high-level probe to determine the cause of the accident.
  • The US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs offered condolences, and Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed condolences as well.
  • The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, declared a one-day state mourning.
  • The launch event for the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express was canceled in light of the accident.
  • Blood donations were organized, and security arrangements were made to admit the injured to hospitals.
  • The DMK party in Tamil Nadu canceled events scheduled for the birth centenary of former CM M Karunanidhi as a mark of respect for the lives lost in the accident.
  • Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formed a high-level committee to inquire about the incident.
  • UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
  • NCP leader Ajit Pawar expressed anguish over the tragedy and called for an investigation and action against those responsible.
  • SCB Medical College in Cuttack collected more than 3000 units of blood from hundreds of youth who donated.
  • West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee pledged cooperation and assistance from the state government.
  • National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah called for an investigation into whether the anti-collision device was installed and functioning.
  • Congress leader Pawan Bansal stated that the compensation amount of ₹10 lakhs is not adequate.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkey extended their condolences, while Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed sadness and offered prayers.
  • EU President Ursula von der Leyen expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of India.
  • Sonia Gandhi expressed grief and condolences on behalf of the Congress party.
  • Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal visited the injured at the Community Health Centre in Balasore.
  • Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and AICC In-Charge A Chella Kumar were deputed to visit the accident site.
  • Pope Francis offered prayers and condolences for the victims.
  • PM Modi asked for all necessary support to be provided to the bereaved families and instructed a thorough investigation.
  • PM Modi stated that those found guilty would be punished, and he visited the injured victims.
  • The Ministry of Railways allocated resources for prompt restoration at the accident site.
  • LIC Chairperson announced relaxations and expedited claim settlements for the victims.
  • The US President Joe Biden expressed condolences and offered prayers.
  • Congress leader Randeep Surjewala posed nine questions to PM Modi regarding the incident.
  • Survivors of the accident arrived in Chennai on a special train, and special medical arrangements were made for their treatment.
  • Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Geeta Singh announced that 100 unidentified bodies would be kept at AIIMS Bhubaneshwar.
  • A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a probe into the Balasore train accident by an expert panel headed by a retired judge of the apex court. The PIL also requests the implementation of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System, known as the KAVACH Protection System, across Indian Railways to enhance public safety.
  • The Railway Board, in response to the tragedy, held a press conference to address the situation and emphasize their focus on relief, rescue, and repair work. Jaya Varma Sinha, Member of Operation and Business Development, stated that initial findings suggest an issue with the signaling system, but emphasized the need for a detailed report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety to authenticate the findings.
  • Amidst the aftermath of the tragedy, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the family members of those who lost their lives in the train accident. Additionally, ₹1 lakh will be provided to individuals who sustained serious injuries, while the injured requiring medical attention will receive appropriate assistance.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the accident site, provided updates on the progress of the restoration work. He informed that track laying work has been completed on one of the two main lines, while work on the other line is currently underway. Efforts are being made to restore at least two railway lines by 8 PM today, enabling train operations to resume at reduced speeds. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, concerned about the situation, personally contacted Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to inquire about the progress of the restoration work. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing relief and rescue operations, as well as ensuring the safety and well-being of the injured.

As the recovery operation continues and investigations unfold, the grief-stricken families of the victims hope to transport their loved ones’ remains back home for a proper farewell. However, the prevailing chaos, including disrupted train services and congested roads, has presented significant challenges. Efforts are underway to restore normalcy and alleviate the suffering of the affected communities.

The investigation into the incident will be crucial in uncovering the factors that led to the collision and ensuring the necessary measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. The railway authorities are committed to ensuring that evidence remains untampered and witnesses remain unaffected during the investigation process.

As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic incident, the focus remains on providing relief and support to the affected families and individuals. The collaboration between central and state authorities, as well as the collective efforts of the rescue teams, will be essential in dealing with the aftermath of this devastating train collision in Odisha.

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