At least 233 people are feared dead, 24 rescued, and around 900 injured as 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar- Chennai Coromandel Express and 3-4 coaches of another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah derailed near Baleswar in Odisha late last night. A major rail accident involving three trains- the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train – happened on Friday night at 7 PM in Balasore, Odisha.
While a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team is carrying out rescue operations at the crash site, seven other teams are being rushed from Mundali in Cuttack district to the spot, NDRF DIG Mohseen Shahedi said. The NDRF is also dispatching four sniffer dogs and the teams are equipped with stretchers, gas cutters, lifting pads, first-aid kits and other equipment. The estimated strength of the seven teams is more than 200 personnel.
The special relief commissioner has directed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force team at Balasore to rush to the spot for search and rescue operations. The Balasore Collector has also been directed to reach the spot and make all necessary arrangements, and intimate the SRC if any additional help is required from the state.
The Odisha government has issued an emergency contact number — 06782-262286. Additional fire service teams, doctors and ambulances are also being rushed from nearby districts.
“We have mobilized six teams from Unit HQ at Mundali, one team from Regional Response Centre at Balasore and two from Kolkata – Total nine teams. Five Teams have already reached and are involved in the rescue & relief operation under supervision of Unit Commandant. 24 live rescues have been made by NDRF teams so far and casualty is over 50 people,” said DIG of the NDRF, Mohseen Shahedi.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said he was rushing to the accident site. “Rushing to the site in Odisha. My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, State govt. teams and Airforce also mobilised. Will take all hands required for the rescue ops,” he tweeted.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said he has reviewed the situation, and will be travelling to the accident site early Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was distressed by the accident, and spoke with Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation.
“Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” he tweeted.
