Odisha train accident leaves over 261 dead ,900 injured

In a tragic incident in Balasore, Odisha, a collision involving three trains claimed the lives of at least 261 people and left approximately 900 injured. This devastating event marks the deadliest rail accident in India in over two decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced his visit to the accident site, where he plans to meet with the injured individuals at hospitals in Cuttack, as stated in a tweet from his office. The collision took place involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train.

The force of the impact was of such magnitude that one train forcefully crashed into the other, resulting in the carriages being violently lifted into the air, twisted, and derailed. Tragically, one carriage ended up completely overturned, resulting in the crushing of the passenger section. Survivors recounted terrifying experiences, describing the intense shaking and toppling of the train coach during the collision. The wreckage revealed a heartbreaking scene with scattered severed limbs amidst the debris. Following the completion of the rescue operation, efforts are now focused on restoration work, according to Amitabh Sharma, the Railways Spokesperson.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw has unveiled a comprehensive compensation program for the victims affected by the tragic incident. Under this plan, the families of the deceased will be eligible for ₹10 lakhs in compensation, while individuals who have endured severe injuries will receive ₹2 lakhs. Furthermore, individuals with minor injuries will be entitled to ₹50,000 in compensation to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation efforts. In response to this tragedy, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared a one-day state mourning period.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw has announced compensations of ₹10 lakhs for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakhs for those seriously injured, and ₹50,000 for individuals with minor injuries. Prime Minister Modi has expressed his deep grief over the incident and has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakhs for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also personally taken charge of monitoring the situation and is coordinating efforts with senior officers. Due to the accident's impact on the Howrah-Chennai main line in the Kharagpur division of the South Eastern Railway, 48 trains have been cancelled, 39 trains have been diverted, and 10 trains have been short-terminated, causing significant disruptions in train services.