What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Present at the site are Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, overseeing the ongoing rescue and evacuation efforts.
In one of the deadliest railway accidents in Odisha, with a death toll of 280 and over 900 injured, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the accident spot on Saturday, as per sources. The tragedy unfolded when the Coromandel Express train derailed, and collided with Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district on Friday evening. Situated approximately 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, the incident has prompted the Prime Minister to convene a review meeting to assess the situation. As condolences pour in from opposition party leaders, including the NCP and TMC, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is expected to visit the accident site. t
Present at the site are Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, overseeing the ongoing rescue and evacuation efforts.
While the rescue operations continue, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the need for a high-level probe into the incident to determine its cause. “It’s a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and the state government have been conducting rescue operations since yesterday. Complete mobilization has been undertaken to maximize efforts, despite the limitations. The affected individuals will receive the best possible healthcare facilities. Compensation has already been announced, and a high-level committee has been formed to inquire about the incident. The Commissioner of Rail Safety has also been summoned to investigate and understand the technical aspects of the incident,” he stated.
The focus remains on the rescue and relief operations, with restoration efforts to commence after receiving clearance from the district administration. Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena reported the involvement of 7 NDRF teams, 5 ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams, 24 Fire Service Units, local police, and dedicated volunteers working tirelessly towards search and rescue. The South Eastern Railway has confirmed 238 casualties in the Balasore train accident, while 650 injured passengers have been transported to hospitals in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Soro.
In response to the tragedy, the BJP has canceled all its programs for the day, including Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw’s planned visit to inaugurate Goa’s first Vande Bharat Express. The virtual flagging off of the train by PM Modi on June 3, 2023, was intended to mark the first Vande Bharat Express for the Konkan Railways.
