PM Modi visits train accident site in Balasore; meets survivors of mishap in hospital

BALASORE (Odisha): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived at the train accident site in Odisha. He took stock of one of the most horrific train accidents in recent memory, which has, according to latest estimates, killed over 261 people and over 1,000 people injured.

PM Modi landed in an Indian Air Force chopper near the site of the incident at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. He also visited the injured at the Balasore District Hospital and met the crash survivors. Earlier in the day, PM Modi convened a meeting to review the situation in connection with the rail accident.

The accident involved two passenger trains — Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and a goods train — on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. Seventeen coaches of the passenger trains were derailed and severely damaged in the accident that took place on Friday evening.

According to the preliminary report by the State Emergency Operation Centre, over 900 people are injured. The toll rose from 238 to 261 according to the report. Seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) Units and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units engaged in rescue operations.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17 helicopters for the evacuation of the deceased and injured. According to the Eastern Command, IAF is coordinating the rescue efforts with the civil administration and Indian Railways. The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site and directed a “high level” probe and said measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not take place in future.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also visited the accident site to take stock of the situation. (ANI)