A devastating train accident occurred on Friday, June 2, resulting in the death of at least 288 people and leaving over 900 injured. The mishap took place when the Coromandel Express collided with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train was also involved in the accident. The incident, which unfolded near Bahanaga Bazar in Balasore, has been marked as one of the deadliest train crashes in recent Indian history.
Promptly after the collision, an extensive rescue operation was launched to extricate passengers trapped in the derailed coaches. Presently, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services personnel are tirelessly working at the accident site to carry out rescue efforts. While the situation remains critical, authorities fear that the death toll may rise further.
Expressing deep condolences to the affected families, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. The Railway Ministry has also initiated an inquiry into the mishap, with the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South East Circle leading the investigation.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared a one-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic accident. Consequently, all state celebrations scheduled for June 3 have been cancelled throughout the state.
In light of the incident, the scheduled inauguration of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express stands cancelled. The Konkan Railway Official confirmed this decision, considering the gravity of the train mishap in Balasore.
Efforts to provide medical assistance to the injured have been put into action, with Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital in Balasore receiving some of the wounded passengers. Additionally, helpline numbers have been issued by the Railways to assist stranded passengers seeking information or support.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally visited the accident site in Balasore to assess the situation and oversee rescue operations. Emphasizing the priority of rescue and relief efforts, the minister highlighted that restoration work would commence once clearance is granted by the district administration. He assured a thorough high-level inquiry into the incident and an independent investigation by the rail safety commissioner.
Responding to the tragedy, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party cancelled all events planned for the birth centenary celebrations of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The decision reflects their commitment to mourn the Balasore Train Accident, limiting activities to paying tribute to Kalaignar Statue and Kalaignar Memorial by Chief Minister MK Stalin.
As rescue operations continue, Odisha’s Director General of Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, expressed concerns that the death toll may escalate further. As of now, over 120 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the derailed train coaches.
The railway authorities have been compelled to divert, cancel, and terminate a total of 51 trains due to the accident. Passengers are advised to refer to the updated list of diverted trains to ensure smooth travel.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik joined Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Balasore to personally monitor the ongoing rescue operations at the accident site. The two leaders are coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and provide support to the affected individuals and families.
Condolences poured in from across the nation, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressing deep sadness over the incident and extending sympathies to the bereaved families. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also arrived at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Chennai to oversee the situation and offer his support.
The rescue operation continues with the deployment of seven NDRF teams, five ODRAF teams, 24 Fire Service Units, local police, and numerous volunteers. Efforts are focused on searching for survivors and providing urgent medical attention to the injured. According to the latest update from South Eastern Railway, the death toll has reached 238, with approximately 650 injured passengers receiving treatment at hospitals in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Soro.
In solidarity with the affected passengers and their families, Tamil Nadu ministers Udhayanidhi Stalin, Siva Shankar, and Anbil Mahesh are en route to the accident site in Balasore to assess the situation firsthand.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
