Odisha Triple Train Accident: Around 238 Dead, 900 Injured; Rescue Operation Ends

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• Jun 3, 2023 | Dhupali Das

At least 238 people were killed and almost 900 were injured in a tragic three-train collision in Odisha's Balasore...

Digital Desk: At least 238 people were killed and almost 900 were injured in a tragic three-train collision in Odisha's Balasore, officials informed on Saturday, June 3. Notably, this is the country's deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that a high-level committee will be constituted to investigate the train incident.

The collision involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a freight train.

The rescue operations are underway, and all hospitals in the surrounding areas have been placed on high alert. Three NDRF units, four Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force units, over 15 fire rescue teams, 30 doctors, 200 police personnel, and 60 ambulances have been deployed to the spot, the Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep said.

In response to the devastating train tragedy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared a one-day state mourning.

This morning, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site of the accident to evaluate the situation. "Restoration work will begin immediately. Our staff and equipment are prepared for restoration work, but our first priority is to rescue and treat individuals who have been injured. We will only know the specifics after a thorough investigation. An independent investigation will be conducted," he said.

Vaishnaw has also announced a compensation of 10 lahks for those who died, 2 lahks for those who were seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, expressed his grief over the accident and offered compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that she is personally monitoring the situation with the Chief Secretary and other senior employees.

So far, 18 long-distance trains have been cancelled as a result of the accident, which occurred on the Howrah-Chennai main line of the South Eastern Railway's Kharagpur division.