In the wake of one of India’s deadliest train accidents, survivors are recounting the harrowing moments that unfolded on Friday evening in the eastern state of Odisha. At least 294 people lost their lives when a passenger train collided with a stationary freight train, derailed, and subsequently struck another passenger train approaching from the opposite direction, according to local media reports by the Hindustan Times.
Preliminary investigations by local authorities have linked the catastrophic multi-train collision to a signal failure. The incident has raised pressing concerns about railway safety and infrastructure in one of the world’s most populous nations.
Rescue operations were launched immediately, with rescue teams, health workers, police, firefighters, and disaster response personnel rushing to the scene. The Indian Air Force deployed Mi-17 helicopters to assist in the massive rescue effort. By late Saturday afternoon, all injured passengers had been transported to nearby hospitals, but the community remains in shock.
Shankar Das, a survivor of the accident, shared his experience with CGTN Stringer. “I was on the train heading to Chennai when suddenly there was a violent jolt,” he recalled. “The train began to derail, and everything turned chaotic.” Das suffered multiple broken bones and was carried from the wreckage on a stretcher. His story echoes those of many others who are grappling with the traumatic aftermath.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of support from across the nation and the world. Authorities are now focused on providing aid to the victims and their families, while also initiating a comprehensive investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
This accident underscores the critical need for advancements in railway safety measures and infrastructure maintenance in India. As the country continues to develop its transportation networks, ensuring the safety of its passengers remains a paramount concern.
Reference(s):
Survivor of Indian train crash tells moments from the accident
cgtn.com
