The death toll in the Odisha train accident involving two express trains (Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express) and a goods train in Balasore has risen to 238, according to South Eastern Railway.
“As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro,” the South Eastern Railway said. The 12864 Sir M Visvesvaraya (Bengaluru)-Howrah Express Superfast Express was travelling towards Howrah with 1000 passengers. A special train carrying 200 stranded passengers is now headed from Balasore to Howrah.
“Water, tea and food packets are being provided to passengers at Kharagpur station. Food packets will also be provided in Howrah after arrival of the train,” South Eastern Railway said.
On the way to Howrah, several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed and fell on adjacent tracks. The derailed coaches were hit by the 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which was travelling in the opposite direction on the parallel track. Twelve Coromandel Express coaches derail and collide with a stationary goods train on track three.
The accident happened around 7 p.m. on Friday, according to Railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived on the scene and oversaw the rescue effort.
“A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry,” Vaishnaw said on Saturday.
He added, “Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration”.
