In a devastating incident that unfolded on Friday evening in Odisha’s Balasore district, a collision between three trains has resulted in the untimely demise of more than 260 passengers. The harrowing accident witnessed one train plow into another with such force that carriages were flung into the air, contorted, and violently thrown off the tracks. Shocked survivors recall the terrifying moments, recounting the intense shaking and toppling of coaches, while severed limbs were tragically scattered amidst the wreckage.
Sanjay Mukhia, a daily wage worker traveling on the Coromandel-Shalimar Express en route to Chennai, described the chaos, “Everything was shaking and we could feel the coach toppling.” Another survivor, visibly shaken, shared the horrifying aftermath, “I was sleeping when the train derailed. Some 10-15 people fell over me. When I came out of the coach, I saw limbs scattered all around, a leg here, a hand there…someone’s face was disfigured.”
The rescue operation has concluded, shifting the focus to the arduous task of restoration. Amitabh Sharma, spokesperson for the Railways, confirmed the completion of the rescue efforts. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the formation of a high-level committee to thoroughly investigate the train crash, aiming to uncover the causes and prevent future tragedies.
Expressing his deep distress over the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared compensation for the affected families. The Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will provide Rs 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Railway Minister Vaishnaw also announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assured her active involvement, personally monitoring the situation alongside senior officers. The tragic collision led to the cancellation of 48 trains, diversion of 39 others, and the short termination of 10 trains. The incident occurred on the Howrah-Chennai main line within the Kharagpur division of the South Eastern Railway.
The catastrophic train collision in Odisha has left a profound impact on the nation, shaking the public with its horrific aftermath. As the investigation unfolds, authorities strive to ensure the restoration of the affected rail network and prevent such tragedies in the future, while the affected families mourn their irreparable losses.