Tragedy Strikes as Train Derails and Collides in Odisha
A horrific train accident occurred near Balasore in the eastern state of Odisha, leaving a trail of wreckage and claiming numerous lives. The impact was so severe that train compartments were smashed open, with blood-stained holes visible on their sides. Survivor Arjun Das described the chaos, hearing a thunderous sound followed by people falling from upper berths. Witnessing the scene, he jumped out of the train, surrounded by injured passengers desperately seeking help.
The Catastrophic Sequence of Events
The disaster unfolded when an express train traveling from Bengaluru to Kolkata derailed and fell onto the adjacent southbound track. Shortly afterward, the Coromandal Express, en route from Kolkata to Chennai, collided with the wreckage, with some of its coaches also hitting a parked goods train nearby. Anubhav Das, a researcher who was in the last carriage of the second train, recalled the horrifying sounds before his coach finally came to a stop. Amid the chaos, he witnessed mangled bodies and the heartbreaking sight of a man with a severed arm, desperately assisted by his injured son.
The Search for Survivors Continues
Rescue workers tirelessly searched the mangled wreckage for survivors, while rows of covered bodies lay beside the tracks. Sudhanshu Sarangi, director general of Odisha Fire Services, reported a death toll of 288, which was expected to rise, potentially reaching 380 victims. The rescue operation remained ongoing, as bodies were still being extracted from under the carriages. The situation remained grim, with injured individuals succumbing to their injuries in hospitals.
India’s History of Rail Disasters
India boasts one of the world’s largest rail networks but has experienced numerous rail disasters over the years. This recent crash ranks as the third deadliest in the country’s history and the worst since 1995. The railway system has seen significant investments and technological upgrades aimed at enhancing safety, yet tragic incidents like this persist. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash, and rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force and the air force, have been mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts.
Prime Minister’s Condolences and Response
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the train accident and announced his intention to visit the crash site and hospitals. In a tweet, he extended his sympathies to the affected families and wished for the swift recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, hospitals along the route between the crash site and the state capital, Bhubaneswar, were flooded with victims, and a fleet of ambulances and buses was deployed to transport them to medical facilities. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities of even the most improved rail systems.
SOURCE: Image – google images
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