In one of the deadliest rail accidents in India’s recent history, at least 288 people have lost their lives and over 800 have been injured after two passenger trains collided in the eastern state of Odisha. The catastrophic incident occurred on Friday night, leaving the nation in shock and prompting a massive rescue operation.
A Night of Devastation
The collision involved the Coromandel Express, running from Kolkata to Chennai, and the Bengaluru–Howrah Superfast Express near the Balasore district. Officials report that one of the trains derailed and collided with the other on an adjacent track, causing several carriages to overturn and pile up.
Rescue Efforts and Medical Response
Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force and local emergency services, worked through the night to pull survivors from the mangled wreckage. More than 200 ambulances and several fire service units were dispatched to the scene.
On June 3, survivors requiring urgent medical attention were transported to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for further treatment. Hospitals across the region have been put on high alert to accommodate the influx of patients.
Government Response and Investigation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that he is “distressed by the train accident.” The government has announced compensation for the victims’ families and is launching a high-level inquiry into the cause of the accident.
A Nation in Mourning
The tragic incident is the deadliest rail disaster India has seen in over two decades, highlighting ongoing concerns about rail safety in the country. As the nation grieves, calls for improvements in rail infrastructure and safety protocols are intensifying.
The rail network is a vital lifeline in India, transporting millions of passengers daily. This accident underscores the urgent need for modernization and enhanced safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Global leaders and communities have extended their sympathies, and support is pouring in from across the world for the victims and their families.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
