India train wreck: 207 reportedly dead after Coromandel Express derails in Odisha's Balasore, over 900 injured

In an unfortunate turn of events on Friday evening, the Coromandel Express derailed close to Bahanaga Station in Balasore city in the Indian state of Odisha in which around 207 people reportedly died while over 900 passengers sustained injuries, reported PTI news agency. As per local media reports, the cause of the accident was the collision of the express train with a goods train. A search and rescue operation is currently underway.

PM Modi expresses grief

Following the tragic incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressedgrief and empathised with thebereaved families. "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," PM Modi tweeted Friday evening.

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The first team of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) consisting of 22 members arrived from Balasore Railway Station (BLS). Earlier, a team from Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) of 32 members initiated their operations about 30 minutes before, as per ANI citing officials.

As per the latest developments in the train derailment accident, an additional rescue team of 26 members of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service was also deployed. The deployed team is equipped with advance rescue equipment of Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy Bhubaneswar. The team rushed to the the train accident site for rescue, as per ANI citing Odisha government.

"An unfortunate accident took place between Coromandel Express, a goods train and another passenger train near Bahanaga Railway Station in Balasore district. Three NDRF teams have been dispersed and the rescue operation has started," Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said.

"NDRF and SDRF teams are on the spot. 600-700 rescue force personnel working. rescue operation to go throughout the night. All hospitals are providing support. our immediate concern is to rescue victims. Concerned officials rushed to the spot," the chief secretary added.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured in the Odisha train accident. "Deeply anguished by loss of lives in unfortunate rail accident in Odisha, my heart goes out to bereaved families," President Murmu tweeted.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Odisha train wreck

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik arrived at the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) control room in order to take stock of the rescue and relief operations. Patnaik said, "I have just reviewed the situation about this truly tragic railway accident. I will be visiting the spot tomorrow morning."

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After the collision, media reports citing sources said as many as several bogies of the train skidded off the track. ANI news agency quoting Special Relief Commissioner Office (SRC) said, "An Express train met with an accident near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district. Teams have left for the spot for search and rescue operation. Collector, Balasore has also been directed to reach the spot to make all necessary arrangements and intimate the SRC if any additional help is required from the state level."

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Teams have been dispatched to the derailment spot, includinglocal police and railway officials. Locals are helping out authorities withsearch and rescue operations. Those critically injured in the accident have been moved to the Balasore district headquarters hospital for treatment.

SRC has directed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team at Balasore to reach the accident scene and address the situation. Furthermore, an emergency contact number (91 6782 262 286) has been issued by the Odisha government so that people can get information.

Emergency contacts shared bysoutheastern railways

The southeastern railway also gave out emergency contact information for people who want to seek information on the derailment of 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Coromandal Express.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep agony over the train derailment accident. "The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he tweeted.

As per reports, the train was going from Kolkata to Chennai. The visuals from the train accident site show several derailed coaches. Moreover, many others are feared trapped inside the derailed train.

Ex-gratia compensation to victims

Indian railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the ex-gratia compensation to Odisha train crash victims. An amount of ₹10 Lakh will be given in case of death, ₹2 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for those who received minor injuries.

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