Balasore (Odisha):Hundreds of people were dead while many more were injured in a multiple train accident near Bahanaga Station in Balasore of Odisha on Friday evening. First, Bengaluru-Howrah Express Train derailed and its bogies fell on the other track. Then, the Coromandel Express Train came at a high speed and hit those bogies. Later, a goods train also hit the bogies of passengers that lay in a pile-up on the tracks at the accident site.
According to sources, many more passengers are reportedly trapped as several bogies of both express trains skidded off the track after being hit in the ghastly mishap. The rescue operations received a setback late at night. The Odisha Government announced one-day state mourning. The Railway Authorities rushed medical help to the victims.
All possible assistance is being given to those affected, said PM Modi on the Odisha train accident. "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha, my thoughts are with bereaved families," he said. The PM spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs in case of death and Rs 2 lakhs towards grievous injured and Rs 50,000 for those who sustained minor injuries. Rushing to the site in Odisha, he said, "My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families."
On being informed, local police and railway officials reached the spot and are carrying out the rescue operation with the help of locals. Meanwhile, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed the ODRAF Team at Balasore to proceed to the spot for a search and rescue operation. Besides, the Collector 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.
Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu has directed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team at Balasore to proceed to the spot immediately for search and rescue operations. On receiving information, the Balasore Collector, the SP rushed and other officials rushed to the spot to supervise the rescue operation. Railway officials are now there on the spot. About 20 ambulances have been sent to the accident spot to transport the passengers to local hospitals, officials said.