At least 50 passengers have lost their lives in a devastating rail accident occurred on Friday evening when multiple coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district, Odisha. The rescue operations are currently underway to save those who may still be trapped, reports reaching here said.
The Coromandel Express, which was en route from Kolkata, was traveling towards Chennai when the accident took place. According to witnesses, the derailment happened after the train collided with a goods train that was stationary at Bahanaga station. As a result, at least four coaches of the express train overturned, causing chaos and distress among the passengers.
Local villagers responded promptly to the distress calls from inside the train and brought torchlights to aid the rescue operation. However, the rescue efforts have been hindered by the darkness of the night, further adding to the challenges faced by the rescue teams.
The State government has declared a Helpline Control Number, 06782-262286, for the affected individuals and their families to seek assistance and information. Prompt action has been taken by the administration, with the Balasore Collector and Superintendent of Police personally present at the scene to supervise the rescue operations. Additionally, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team from Balasore has been directed to join the rescue efforts.
Railway officials have also arrived at the accident site to assess the situation and provide support. Ambulances, numbering approximately 20, have been dispatched to transport the injured passengers to local hospitals for urgent medical attention. In a coordinated response, two fire teams from Bhadrak have been deployed to assist in the rescue operations.
Authorities have directed the Director General of the Fire Service to personally oversee and monitor the rescue efforts. Medical personnel from Balasore Medical College have been dispatched to provide medical aid to the injured. As of now, ten injured passengers have been admitted to Balasore Medical College for treatment, while all hospitals in and around Balasore have been placed on alert. SCB Medical College in Cuttack has also been prepared to receive any critical cases.
The tragic rail accident has left the entire region in shock and mourning. The government, along with the local administration, is making every possible effort to ensure the safety of the passengers and provide support to the affected individuals and their families. The exact cause of the accident will be investigated, and measures will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said all possible assistance was being given to those affected.
Modi also spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation.
The accident involved three trains — Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, Coromandel Express and a goods train — in Bahanagar in Odisha’s Balasore district, leading to heavy casualties.
“Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon,” Modi said in a tweet.
“Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw 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,” the prime minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, “The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. 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.”
