Odisha Train Accident: Tragic train collision in Odisha claims 261 lives and leaves 900 injured

New Delhi, June 03: At least 261 people lost their lives and approximately 900 sustained injuries in a devastating three-train collision in Balasore, Odisha, making it the deadliest rail accident in India in over 20 years.

The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train were involved in the crash.

The impact of the collision was so severe that train carriages were lifted high into the air, twisted, and then forcefully thrown off the tracks. The wreckage revealed overturned carriages and crushed passenger sections, with severed limbs scattered amid the torn metal.

Survivors recounted the horror they experienced, with Sanjay Mukhia, a daily wage worker traveling on the Coromandel-Shalimar Express, describing the shaking and toppling of the coach. Another survivor mentioned the disfigured faces and limbs strewn around the accident site.

An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the train mishap in Odisha. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi — PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 2, 2023

Rescue operations have concluded, shifting the focus towards restoration work, according to Railways Spokesperson Amitabh Sharma. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the cause of the train crash.

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared a one-day state mourning period. Compensation was also announced, with Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress and pledged Rs 2 lakh from the PM's National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

#WATCH | #BalasoreTrainAccident | Congress president & former Railways Minister Mallikarjun Kharge says, "...Irrespective of the political parties, I request them to come forward & help...I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families...I have to ask many questions to… pic.twitter.com/UAw8I3Bzq1 — ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023

Several train services have been affected, with 48 cancellations, 39 diversions, and 10 short terminations reported on the Howrah-Chennai main line in the Kharagpur division of the South Eastern Railway. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured that she is personally monitoring the situation along with senior officials.

- With inputs from agencies

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