The balance sheet of the accident, involving 2 passenger trains and 1 freight train, is getting heavier near Bahanaga Station in Balasore, Orissa state of India. In a statement made by local authorities, it was reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the accident increased to 288, and more than 900 people were injured.
1 DAY MORNING
It was reported that while some wagons were derailed in the accident, more than 200 ambulances were sent to the scene, and rescue efforts continued with more than 300 officers. It was also stated that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go to Odisha today to inspect the accident site, and then visit the hospital where the injured are being treated.
Due to the loss of life, a day of mourning was declared in the state.
‘BIGEST TRAIN ACCIDENT’ OCCURRED IN THE LAST YEAR
According to the local Indian media, there are concerns that the number of people who lost their lives in the tragic incident, which is described as the “biggest train accident” in the country in the last 20 years, will rise. Local people also support the rescue efforts. Many train services were canceled due to the accident.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUED
It was stated that one of the trains was the Howrah Superfast Express train from Bangalore to the state of West Bengal, and the other was the Coromandel Express train from Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, to the city of Chennai. Pradeep Jena, one of the top officials of the state of Odisha, stated that a freight train was also involved, while the investigation into the accident continues.
While the authorities shared the information that the passenger trains involved in the accident belonged to Coromandel Express and Yashwatpur-Howrah Express, it was noted that the passenger train of Coromandel Express, which departed from Shalimar Railway Station, was on the way to Chennai Central Railway Station.
“THANKS TO ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO DONATE BLOOD”
Pradeep Jena, one of the top officials of the state of Orissa, said that 200 ambulances, 50 buses, 45 mobile clinics and more than 1200 police and rescue teams were dispatched to the region and said, “I am grateful to all the volunteers who donated blood. We are trying to send doctors, ambulances, buses as supplements.” said. Jena stated that they are focusing on rescue activities and the cause of the accident is being investigated.
Indian President Draupadi Murmu, in his Twitter post, expressed his deep sorrow for the “unfortunate accident” and shared the grief of the families who lost their loved ones.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stated that he met with the Minister of Railways regarding the accident and that all necessary support is being given to those affected by the accident. Modi, heading to the families who lost their loved ones, wished healing to the injured. (UAV/AA)
