Two dead as goods train derails in Odisha; CM Patnaik announces ex-gratia

Korai (Odisha), November 21: As many as two persons died after a goods train derailed Monday morning at Korai Station in Jajpur district, under East Coast Railway, informed officials. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep grief at the loss of lives in the train accident. He conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved families and announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to next of kin of the victims.

The goods train got derailed at about 6:44 am, damaging the railway station building as well. Relief teams and Railway officials were rushed to the site. A rescue operation is underway. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Khurda Road and other branch officers rushed to the accident spot for relief work. Both rail lines have been blocked, informed officials.

Also Read | 'Bhediya' trailer flashed on Burj Khalifa: Kriti, Varun share the spectacle

However, some trains have been cancelled and few diverted due to the derailment. Howrah-Bhubaneswar Janshatabdi Express, Shalimar-Puri Express, Shalimar-Hyderabad Express, Cuttack-Bhadrak-Cuttack Passenger Special, Bhubaneswar-Balasore Passenger Special and several other trains have been cancelled.

Hyderabad-Shalimar East Coast Express will be diverted via Jakhpura-Jaroli-Tata, Bangalore-Santragachi Express will be diverted via Jakhpura-Jaroli-Tata, Tirupati-Howrah Express will be diverted via Angul-Sambalpur city-Jharsuguda, Chennai-Santragachi Express will be diverted via Jakhpura-Jaroli-Tata and Puri-Anand Vihar Nandan Kanan Express will be diverted via Jakhpura-Jaroli-Tata.

The Odisha Chief Minister directed the administration to expedite the rescue operation and provide adequate treatment for the injured persons and asked the Minister of Revenue and disaster management Pramilla Mallick to visit the spot and take stock.

Also Read | Aamir Khan in salt-pepper look steals the show at daughter Ira's engagement