Balasore/Bhubaneawar, June 2: Over 300 people are injured and several dead as Coromandel Express (12841) from Shalimar to Chennai derailed at Bahanaga station in Balasore district of Odisha on Friday evening.
Many passengers were trapped in the overturned coaches of the superfast train.
As per reports, the Coromandel train was moving on the mainline. After derailment it hit a goods train standing on the loop line. The Express train is believed to have hit Yashwantpur-Howrah Express from behind.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ex-gratia compensation to the victims of the unfortunate train accident. Rs 10 lakh in case of death, Rs 2 lakh towards grievous injuries, and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
About 50 Ambulances mobilised to the site. Chief district medical officer (CDMO) and his team are on the site, directing ambulances and first aid. At least 50 doctors have been mobilised from other districts. Team of doctors dispatched from SCB MCH. Private hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are also ready to receive patients,” said Health Secretary Shalini Pandit.
“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,” tweeted Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
“There have been casualties but we haven’t yet counted. It was an accident involving three trains – two passenger trains and one goods train,” said Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena.
“NDRF and SDRF teams are on the spot. 600-700 rescue force personnel working. Rescue operation to be conducted throughout the night. All hospitals are providing support. Our immediate concern is to rescue victims. Concerned officials rushed to the spot,” added Jena.
