HOW IT HAPPENED: Balasore train accident explained

NEW DELHI: In a tragic turn of events, the horrifying Balasore three-train accident, which has officially claimed the lives of 238 individuals and injured close to 100 people, has finally been brought to light. The Railway Ministry released a statement revealing the sequence of events that led to this catastrophic incident.

The accident unfolded at Bahanaga Bazar station, nestled within the Balasore district of Odisha. It all began when the Coromandel Express (Shalimar-Madras) was traversing the Main Line, colliding with a stationary Goods Train in the U Line at the ill-fated station.

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The accident occurred when the Coromandel Express (Shalimar-Madras) was passing through the Main Line and collided with a stationary Goods Train in the U Line at Bahanaga Bazar station.

The Coromandel Express was traveling at full speed through Balasore, even though it was not scheduled to stop there. The impact of the collision caused 21 coaches of the Coromandel Express to derail, with three of them encroaching on the other line.

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

At the same time, the Down Train No. 12864 Yesvantpur-Howrah Express was passing through Bahanaga Bazar station and collided with the rear two coaches of the Coromandel Express, causing them to derail as well.

In the wake of this immense tragedy, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a high-level committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The Commissioner of Railway Safety has been summoned to lead the inquiry, striving to uncover the root cause behind this calamity.

After visiting injured, Odisha CM @Naveen_Odisha his heartfelt reaction to the tragic train accident. He expresses deep sorrow and extends gratitude to the local people and administration for their tireless efforts in the late-night rescue operations

Latest death toll: 280 pic.twitter.com/xnOxFl9ayo

— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) June 3, 2023

Vaishnaw emphasized that the government’s utmost priority lies in the ongoing rescue operations and the treatment of the injured. With profound sympathy, he expressed his prayers for the bereaved families and the departed souls. Collaborative efforts from the Railways, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, and the state government have been tirelessly engaged in rescue operations since the onset of this catastrophic event.

In response to opposition demands for his resignation, Vaishnaw urged that the focus should remain on rescue and relief efforts during these critical moments, casting aside political concerns.