In a tragic incident in Odisha’s Balasore, a three-train collision claimed the lives of at least 261 people, with more than 900 individuals sustaining injuries. The collision occurred when the Coromandel Shalimar Express, a passenger train, derailed and collided with a goods train. Subsequently, the Yesvantpur-Howrah Superfast train crashed into the derailed coaches. The number of casualties is expected to rise, as many individuals are feared to be trapped in the wreckage.
The accident unfolded around 7 pm, catching numerous passengers off guard while they were asleep. The Coromandel Shalimar Express, en route to Chennai, reportedly derailed and struck a goods train, causing several coaches to flip over. The Yesvantpur-Howrah Superfast train, traveling at a high speed, then collided with the derailed coaches. The entire sequence of events, which resulted in one of the deadliest train accidents in recent memory, occurred within a matter of minutes between 6:50 pm and 7:10 pm.
Amitabh Sharma, executive director of Indian Railways, stated that two passenger trains were actively involved in the collision, while a third train, a goods train, was parked at the site and also became involved in the accident. The magnitude of the tragedy was captured in visuals from the crash site, revealing shattered train coaches torn open and twisted railway tracks.
Following the devastating incident, the Railways launched a probe to investigate any potential operational failures that may have contributed to the collision. Rescue operations persisted throughout the night, as workers and local residents worked diligently to extract bodies and rescue survivors from the mangled wreckage.
The collision has sparked deep sorrow and mourning across the country. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining the safety and integrity of railway infrastructure. As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that measures will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The focus remains on providing aid and support to the injured and their families during this distressing time.
