Tragic Train Accident in Balasore, Death toll reaches 288
--By a Staff Reporter
Balasore, Odisha, 03/06/2023: Yesterday at about 6.30 PM, a devastating and tragic train accident took place in Balasore, Odisha. According to the official source, the accident took place between the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a stationary goods train near the Bahanaga Bazar station. The early investigation revealed that the Coromandel Express mistakenly entered the loop line though it was supposed to remain on the main line, and collided with the parked goods train. After few minutes, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express was coming from the opposite direction through main line and it collided with the scattered coaches of the Coromandel Express. The source added that this accident resulted in a staggering loss of at least 287 innocent lives, with over 1,150 people sustaining injuries.
The rescue operations started in full swing. The local people came to rescue the victims. Also, NDRF team started vigorous rescue operation. The seriously injured passengers were taken to the nearby hospital. The minor injured persons were released after first-aid. Several trains have been cancelled and many trains were diverted to other directions as rescue and restoration work is underway. The Prime Minister and Railway Minister immediately reached at the spot to observe the rescue operation. The Indian Railways has declared ex-gratia of Rupees 10 lakh for the nearest relative of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the seriously injured, and Rs 50,000 for minor injured. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about the reason of Balasore tragedy.
