In one of the deadliest rail accidents in India, the toll from the triple train crash in Odisha’s Balasore district has risen to 278, according to the Indian Railways. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of June 2 when the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express collided with a halted goods train on the adjacent track. The impact caused the rear carriages of the Coromandel Express to derail onto a third track. The accident also involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Express, with several coaches toppling over. The authorities have stated that at least 101 bodies are yet to be identified.
Collision Between Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and Halted Goods Train Causes Devastation
The collision between the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and the halted goods train led to a catastrophic event. The rear carriages of the Coromandel Express veered off onto a third track, causing significant damage and casualties. This incident ranks among the worst rail accidents in the country, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure.
Train Movement Resumes After Restoration Work and Inspection by Railway Minister
Approximately 51 hours after the triple train crash and following the restoration of the damaged tracks, the train movement resumed late Sunday night. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had been present at the site to oversee the restoration work, was among the senior officials present when the first high-speed passenger train, Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express, passed through Balasore on Monday morning. Despite the wreckage still lying near the tracks, the train made its way cautiously, acknowledging the tragic incident that occurred just days prior.
Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express Passes Through Accident Site as Cleanup Continues
As the Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express made its journey through Balasore, remnants of the train crash were still visible near the tracks. Workers were engaged in the cleanup efforts, ensuring that the site was cleared of debris and restored to operational conditions. The train slowed down as a sign of respect when passing by the location of the tragic accident near Bahanga Bazar station. Furthermore, the Howrah-Puri Express and Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Sampark Kranti Express also traveled along the affected route.
Divisional Railway Manager Provides Update on Injuries and Unidentified Bodies
Rinkesh Roy, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Eastern Central Railways, shared an update on the injuries and identification process. Out of approximately 1,100 people who were injured in the Balasore train accident, around 900 have been discharged after receiving treatment. Currently, about 200 individuals are still undergoing treatment in various hospitals across the state. Moreover, out of the 278 people who lost their lives in the accident, 101 bodies are yet to be identified. It is a challenging and sorrowful task as families anxiously await news of their missing loved ones.
Discrepancies in Toll Figures Prompt Demand for Special Investigation Team (SIT) Probe
The Odisha government initially revised the toll to 275 from an earlier count of 288, citing some bodies being counted twice. However, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee raised concerns about the figures, stating that 61 individuals from her state had died, with an additional 182 still missing. These discrepancies have led to demands from the Odisha units of 12 political parties for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation. The parties, including Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, CPI(ML) Red Star, and others, reject a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), questioning its impartiality and alleging political bias.
Railway Board Recommends CBI Investigation into the Accident, CBI Team Begins Probe
Following the devastating train crash, the railway board has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the incident. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the recommendation on Sunday, stating that the CBI will look into the causes of the accident. Railway officials had previously hinted at the possibility of sabotage and tampering with the electronic interlocking system, which detects the presence of trains, as contributing factors. A 10-member CBI team has visited the Balasore train accident site and commenced its investigation. However, the demand for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe persists, with political parties expressing concerns about the impartiality of the CBI.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
