Finance
At least eight coaches of the Coromandel Express were derailed after the superfast train collided with a cargo train this evening in the Bahanaga district of Balasore.
At least 179 people were injured following the mishap. Rescue operations have been initiated on war footing by the local authorities, police, and railways.
Four coaches of the express train got derailed following the collision with the goods train. The injured passengers were admitted to the Balasore Medical College, Community Health Centers in Soro, and Gopalpur and a Primary Health Centre in Khantapada.
On Friday evening, the tragedy occurred at the Bahanaga station in Balasore. Several coaches are said to have derailed, according to CPRO Southern Railway.
The train began its journey today at 3.30 p.m. from Shalimar station in West Bengal. It was expected to arrive at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr MG Ramachandran Central Railway Station in Chennai at 4.50 p.m. tomorrow.
“Collector, Balasore has also been directed to reach the spot to make all necessary arrangements and intimate the SRC if any additional help is required from the state level,” Hindustan Times quoted Special Relief Commissioner Office as saying.
“Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Odisha along with senior officers Hemant Sharma, Balwant Singh, Arvind Agarwal, DG Fire Services despatched to the spot to supervise arrangements in train accident at Bahanaga. Medical colleges and all hospitals in and around Balasore on alert. SCBMC alerted too. 3 NDRF units; 4 ODRAF units and 60 ambulances mobilised,” ANI quoted Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Odisha, in a tweet.
The Odisha government is also arranging generators and lights at the accident site to aid the operation. The first NDRF team of 22 members has reached the site with 32 more members expected to arrive shortly.
The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority said five ambulances have been sent to assist the rescue operation. The Additional Directorate of Medical Education And Training, Odisha also said it has dispatched 15 ambulances.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the state government is coordinating with the Odisha government and South Eastern Railways to help the rescue operation.
She added that the Bengal government is sending a team of five to six members to aide the Odisha government.
Below are the Helpline Nos issued by the Railways
- Howrah: 033 – 26382217
- Kharagpur: 8972073925, 9332392339
- Balasore: 8249591559, 7978418322
- SHM Helpline: 9903370746
Soure:IT
