Odisha Train Accident
Context:
In a significant rail disaster on Friday night involving two express trains and a goods train in the Balasore district of Odisha, at least 70 passengers were presumed dead and more than 350 others were hurt.
Points to Ponder:
- Details of the Accident: Two express trains and a goods train were involved in the accident, which happened in the Balasore district of Odisha. The Yashwantpur-Howrah Express’s two carriages derailed close to the Bahanaga train station, colliding with the Coromandel Express as it approached. As a result, roughly 17 coaches derailed, some of which collided with a freight train’s waggons.
- Casualties: Over 350 people were hurt in the collision, and at least 70 passengers were thought dead. As victims were being pulled out from under the derailed carriages, it was anticipated that the death toll would grow.
- Accident Cause: The precise cause of the incident was not discovered right away. To ascertain the cause, railway officials were awaiting the results of preliminary investigations.
- Earlier Mishap: This mishap was rated as one of the worst in recent memory. It is mentioned that the Coromandel Express also experienced an accident in 2013, which occurred in the Jajpur district, around 50 kilometres from the current disaster scene.
- Government Response: The Odisha government deployed multiple teams, including senior Secretaries and a Minister, to manage the situation. Doctors from neighbouring districts and premier medical colleges were mobilized to provide medical assistance to the injured.
- Assistance and Reactions: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the accident. The Railways Minister announced compensation for the deceased and injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin dispatched a team to aid Tamils affected by the accident and promised necessary assistance.
- Coordination: To coordinate with railway officials and the Odisha government in providing rescue and relief to the affected passengers, the West Bengal government dispatched a delegation consisting of a Minister and an MP.
