On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the accident site in Odisha. He will reflect on one of the most horrific train accidents in recent memory, which has killed over 261 people and injured over 1000 others, according to the most recent estimates. PM Modi had also called a meeting earlier today to assess the situation in light of the rail accident.
PM Modi landed in an Air Force helicopter near the incident site at Bahanaga Bazar Station in the Balasore district. He will pay a visit to the injured at the Balasore District Hospital and meet the survivors of the crash.
Two passenger trains, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and the Coromandel Express, as well as a goods train, collided on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. The accident on Friday evening resulted in the derailment and severe damage to 17 passenger train coaches.
Over 900 people have been injured, according to the preliminary report of the State Emergency Operation Centre. According to the report, the death toll increased from 238 to 261.
Seven National Disaster Response Force Teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force Units, and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units were on the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) used Mi-17 helicopters to evacuate the dead and injured. The IAF is coordinating rescue efforts with the civil administration and Indian Railways, according to the Eastern Command.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site and ordered a “high-level” investigation, promising that such incidents would not happen again. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also went to the accident scene to assess the situation.
