Over 900 injured, 288 died in Odisha train accident near Balasore

New Delhi: The death toll in the train accident in Odisha’s Balasore involving the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express has risen to 288, according to reports.

According to reports, 120 bodies have been recovered so far and rescue operations are ongoing.
More than 900 people were injured in the horrific train derailment that took place in Balasore at around 7 pm on Friday.

HT reported that 10 to 12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express fell on the opposite track due to the derailment.
Subsequently, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express collided with the derailed coaches, resulting in the derailment of three to four of its own coaches. Adding to the tragedy, a freight train also met with an accident.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Saturday that he has ordered a high-level probe into the derailment.
“The accident was tragic, and rescue operations were started soon after the incident was reported to his ministry,” the minister said.

The Ministry of Railways has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared a day of mourning after the horrific train derailment in Balasore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life in the train accident in Odisha.
“Pained by the train accident in Odisha. My sympathies are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured get well soon. Spoke to the Railway Minister and reviewed the situation. Rescue operation is on at the accident site and the victim has been injured. All possible assistance is being provided to individuals,” Modi tweeted.