US President Biden condoles loss of lives in Odisha train crash

"Our prayers go to those who have lost loved ones", said US President and First Lady in their condolence message to the bereaved families of those killed in the deadly triple train crash at Odisha's Balasore in India.

Washington (US) : US President Joe Biden on Sunday expressed his condolences to the victims of the horrific Odisha train accident, which claimed the lives of 288 passengers and left over 1,000 injured. "Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said they were both heartbroken by the tragic news of the deadly train crash in Balasore district," a statement said.

"Our prayers go to those who have lost loved ones and the many who suffered injuries in this terrible incident," said Biden, according to an official White House statement. "The United States and India share deep bonds rooted in the ties of family and culture that reunite our two nations - and people all across America mourn alongside the people of India. As the recovery effort continues, we will hold the people of India in our thoughts" the statement added.

The official toll in the devastating train accident was pegged at 288 so far, with 1,000 more sustaining injuries. A total of 1,175 injured were admitted to various government and private hospitals and 793 have, so far, been discharged after treatment. The preliminary report on the tragedy said the three-way accident involved Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and the goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district, according to an ANI report.

It is said 17 coaches of these two trains were derailed and severely damaged in the accident on Friday evening. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the accident spot yesterday ordered the officials to provide the best medical care to the survivors of the tragedy.