train Odisha

Balasore, June 03: In a devastating railway disaster, Balasore district in Odisha witnessed a horrific train collision that resulted in the loss of at least 233 lives and left over 900 people injured. The tragic incident occurred near the Bahanaga Baazar station on Friday evening, triggering a massive rescue and evacuation operation.

The Railway Ministry swiftly ordered a probe to investigate the causes of the accident, while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took immediate action to mobilize aid for the search and rescue efforts.

Condolences and Support from BJP President JP Nadda

The news of the train accident in Balasore deeply saddened the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda. Expressing his sympathies, Nadda tweeted that rescue operations were underway, with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) providing assistance. He urged local BJP workers to extend their support in the rescue efforts and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Rescue Operations and Recovery Efforts

Authorities and rescue teams have been tirelessly working to extricate survivors and retrieve the deceased from the wreckage of the three derailed trains. Despite the challenging circumstances, rescue workers equipped with gas torches and electric cutters have been working through the night. The focus remains on freeing individuals who may still be trapped and salvaging any remaining bodies.

Efforts to Treat the Injured and Handle the Deceased

Approximately 900 injured passengers are currently receiving medical treatment at various hospitals across Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Cuttack districts. The state government has made significant arrangements, deploying 200 ambulances, 50 buses, 45 mobile health units, and over 1,200 personnel to manage the situation. Identified bodies are being handed over to their families, while those unidentified will undergo proper procedures for identification.

Helpline Numbers and Support Networks

To assist those affected by the tragedy, helpline numbers have been set up for immediate support. The railway authorities have issued helpline numbers in Howrah, Kharagpur, Balasore, and Shalimar for individuals seeking assistance or information regarding the accident. These helplines aim to provide guidance, updates, and support to those in need during this difficult time.

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Railways Minister’s Response and Investigation

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the accident site to assess the situation. He assured the public that a high-level committee would be formed to investigate the accident thoroughly. Vaishnaw emphasized that all necessary resources and medical facilities would be made available to those affected by the tragedy. Compensation for the victims’ families was also announced promptly.

Mourning and Cancellations

In response to the incident, the DMK party in Tamil Nadu announced the cancellation of all scheduled events for the birth centenary of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The party expressed its condolences and decided to observe a period of mourning for the lives lost in the Balasore train accident.

A public meeting of Secular Progressive Alliance leaders, originally planned for the evening, was postponed, with the new date to be announced later.

The Coromandel Express accident in Odisha’s Balasore district has left a profound impact, causing significant loss of life and injuries. As the rescue operations continue, the focus remains on supporting the injured, providing necessary medical care, and conducting a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.

The collective efforts of authorities, rescue teams, and support networks are crucial in helping the affected communities cope with this tragic event.