A horrific train accident occurred near Bahanaga Bazar in Balasore, Odisha on Friday, June 2, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 288 lives and leaving over 900 people injured. The collision involved the Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train, making it one of the deadliest train crashes in recent Indian history. One of the Deadliest Train Crashes in Recent Indian History.
Promptly after the mishap, a large-scale rescue operation was launched to extricate passengers trapped in the derailed coaches. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services personnel, and other volunteers have been working tirelessly at the accident site to carry out rescue efforts. However, the situation remains critical, and authorities fear that the death toll may rise further.
In response to the tragedy, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed deep condolences to the affected families. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. The Railway Ministry has also initiated an inquiry into the mishap, with the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South East Circle leading the investigation.
The Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, declared a one-day state mourning to pay respect to the victims of the tragic accident. As a result, all state celebrations scheduled for June 3 were canceled throughout the state.
Due to the severity of the train mishap in Balasore, the scheduled inauguration of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express has been canceled. The Konkan Railway Official confirmed this decision, prioritizing the mourning and rescue efforts.
Efforts to provide medical assistance to the injured passengers are underway. The Fakir Mohan Medical College & Hospital in Balasore has been receiving some of the wounded individuals. Additionally, helpline numbers have been issued by the Railways to assist stranded passengers seeking information or support.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw personally visited the accident site in Balasore to assess the situation and oversee the ongoing rescue operations. He emphasized the priority of rescue and relief efforts and assured a thorough high-level inquiry into the incident. An independent investigation by the rail safety commissioner will also be conducted.
The tragic incident has had an impact beyond Balasore. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party canceled all events planned for the birth centenary celebrations of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi as a mark of respect for the victims of the Balasore Train Accident. They limited activities to paying tribute to Kalaignar Statue and Kalaignar Memorial.
As rescue operations continue, concerns have been raised that the death toll may escalate further. Over 120 bodies have been recovered so far from the wreckage of the derailed train coaches.
The railway authorities have had to divert, cancel, and terminate a total of 51 trains due to the accident. Passengers are advised to refer to the updated list of diverted trains to ensure smooth travel.
Both Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are personally monitoring the ongoing rescue operations at the accident site in Balasore. They are coordinating efforts to manage the crisis and provide support to the affected individuals and families.
Condolences have poured in from across the nation, with leaders like Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressing deep sadness over.
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