According to reports, a catastrophic railway disaster happened in an Odisha train accident, killing over 238 people and injuring around 900 more. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a cargo train were all involved in the event on Friday evening.
Odisha Train Accident
The Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express was engaged in a terrible occurrence in which 10 to 12 coaches derailed and slid onto the opposing track. As a result of colliding with these derailed coaches, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed three to four of its own coaches. Tragically, a goods train was also involved in the crash.
Furthermore, Sanjay Mukhia, a daily wage laborer on the Coromandel-Shalimar Express heading to Chennai, detailed the horrific event, saying, “There was intense shaking, and we could sense the coach toppling.”
Another survivor described the terrifying sight and said, “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.”
In addition, Amitabh Sharma, a spokesman for the railways, said that the rescue operation was successful and that the attention has now switched to repair operations.
Compensation Offered
According to an official announcement from the state I&PR Department, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has proclaimed Saturday a day of mourning. As a result, no state celebrations will be placed on that day.
Moreover, the railway ministry has announced compensation for those who have been harmed by the tragedy. Ex-gratia payments of Rs. 10 lakh would be made to the families of the deceased, Rs. 2 lakh to those badly injured, and Rs. 50,000 to those with lesser injuries.
Prime Minister Modi, expressing his deep sorrow over the Odisha train accident, has announced financial assistance from the PM’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Furthermore, he has declared compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the dead and ₹50,000 for the injured individuals. This gesture aims to support and aid those affected by the tragic incident.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the train mishap in Odisha. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 2, 2023
In addition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha. His route includes two important train accident locales. First, he will go to the accident scene in Balasore to inspect the situation firsthand. After that, he would go to the hospital in Cuttack, where the injured people are being treated.
Cricketer Virat Kohli’s Response
Virat Kohli is saddened to hear about the tragedy. His tweet read,
Saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 3, 2023
Rescue Operation Update
According to Amitabh Sharma, the Railways spokesperson, the rescue effort has been completed. The attention has now switched to repair operations.
He claimed that the “Kawach” train protection technology was not present on this line. He further indicated that over 100 persons have already claimed ex-gratia payments. The counters have been set up in three locations: Balasore, Soro, and Bahanaga Bazar. In addition, Sharma offered details on the impact on train services. The incident caused 48 trains to be canceled, 39 to be diverted, and 10 to be short-terminated.
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