Odisha Train Accident: Death Toll Nears 300, Hundreds Injured

A triple train collision in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday evening has killed at least 290 people and injured hundreds more. The accident involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express, and a goods train.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Rescue efforts are underway at the scene of the accident, and the death toll is expected to rise. The injured have been taken to nearby hospitals, where they are being treated for a variety of injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding.

Cause of Accident Under Investigation

The cause of the accident is under investigation, but officials believe that a signal error may have been to blame. The Coromandel Express was reportedly on the wrong track when it collided with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express.

Government Response

The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs. 2 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs. 50,000 for those who sustained with minor injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

Impact on Rail Travel

The accident has had a significant impact on rail travel in the region. Several trains have been cancelled or diverted, and it is unclear when normal service will resume.

Safety Concerns

The accident has raised concerns about safety on India’s railways. The country has a poor track record of train accidents, and there have been calls for the government to take steps to improve safety.

Next Steps

The government has promised to investigate the accident and take steps to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. The railway ministry has also announced a compensation package for the victims and their families.

The accident is a tragedy that has claimed the lives of many innocent people. It is important to learn from this tragedy and take steps to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.