233 dead, 900 injured in devastating three-train collision in Odisha’s Balasore

Rescue operations are in full swing, with nearby hospitals on high alert. A multitude of emergency teams, including NDRF units, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force units, fire rescue teams, doctors, police personnel, and ambulances, have been urgently deployed to the site.

| Updated: 03 June, 2023 10:23 am IST
PM Narendra Modi has declared compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

BALASORE:  Tragedy struck in Odisha as a devastating three-train collision claimed the lives of at least 233 people and injured 900. The collision involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train. The incident happened on Friday night at Bahanaga station in Balasore district of Odisha. This harrowing incident marks the deadliest rail accident the country has witnessed in over two decades. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has swiftly responded by announcing the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the catastrophic crash.

Rescue operations are in full swing, with nearby hospitals on high alert. A multitude of emergency teams, including NDRF units, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force units, fire rescue teams, doctors, police personnel, and ambulances, have been urgently deployed to the site.

In mourning and solidarity with the victims, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared a one-day state mourning period. The loss of lives and injuries incurred in this tragic train crash have shaken the nation to its core.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw personally visited the accident site to assess the situation and prioritize rescue and medical aid. “Restoration work will commence immediately after the completion of rescue operations. We will conduct a thorough independent inquiry to ascertain the details,” he stated. Furthermore, he announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured, and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries, providing some solace in the face of immense grief.

Expressing deep anguish, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The nation stands united in support and sympathy during this difficult time.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken personal charge in overseeing the situation, closely monitoring developments alongside the Chief Secretary and other senior officers.

As a consequence of this tragic incident on the Howrah-Chennai main line in the Kharagpur division of the South Eastern Railway, 18 long-distance trains have been canceled, further highlighting the disruptive impact of this calamity.

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