Odisha train mishap: Rescue ops to be completed by evening, says NDRF

Narendra Singh Bundela, Inspector General of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), said on Saturday that the rescue operation in the Odisha train derailment is still ongoing and will be completed by evening.

Speaking to ANI, the IG Operation of NDRF said, “The operation is still continuing. So far, the state government has announced 238 dead and more than 900 injured. Hopefully, by today evening, we should be able to close the operation”. “NDRF has nine teams there – seven from Odisha and two from West Bengal. Almost all the live victims have been sent to hospital so nine teams are sufficient,” he added.

However, the Executive Director of Information Publication Railway Board Amitabh Sharma said, “The rescue operation has been completed, now we are starting the restoration work. 238 people have died and more than 600 are injured. Kawach was not available on this route,” while speaking to ANI.

Meanwhile, IG Operation said that the exact sequence of events will be known only after the inquiry.
“17 coaches were derailed and are severely damaged. 9 teams are there on the spot. The sequence of events will be known after inquiry,” Bundela said.