Balasore, Odisha: A horrifying train collision near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district, Odisha, has resulted in the tragic loss of at least 50 lives and left several passengers critically injured. The incident occurred on Friday evening when multiple coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed, trapping passengers and causing widespread devastation.
According to preliminary reports, around four coaches of the express train veered off the tracks at Bahanaga station. While the exact cause of the accident remains uncertain, conflicting accounts have emerged, with some suggesting a collision with a stationary goods train at the station. However, railway officials have refuted this claim, emphasizing that investigations are underway to determine the precise sequence of events.
Eyewitnesses describe a scene of chaos and destruction as a significant portion of the Shalimar-Howrah Coromandel Express came off the tracks around 6:51 p.m. Shockingly, a few of the derailed coaches were struck by the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast train (12864) at the same location, further exacerbating the severity of the incident at 6:55 p.m.
Tragically, the collision has claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals, while approximately 100 others have sustained injuries, according to reliable sources. The gravity of the situation prompted the immediate intervention of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who directed Revenue Minister Pramila Mallik and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu to proceed to the accident site.
At the Chief Minister’s behest, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team from Balasore promptly initiated search and rescue operations. Simultaneously, the Balasore Collector, Superintendent of Police, and other officials rushed to the scene to supervise the rescue efforts. Railway officials are also present on-site, coordinating with the emergency services.
To facilitate medical assistance, approximately 20 ambulances have been dispatched to transport the injured passengers to local hospitals. Additionally, two fire teams from Bhadrak have been deployed to provide necessary support.
In response to the grave situation, an emergency helpline (+91 6782 262 286) has been established in Balasore. The Odisha government has further instructed the Director-General of Fire Services to personally oversee the rescue operation.
Medical teams, including doctors from Balasore Medical College, have been mobilized to provide immediate care to the injured. Presently, ten passengers are receiving treatment at Balasore Medical College, with all hospitals in and around Balasore being put on high alert. SCB Medical College in Cuttack has been placed on standby as well.
Expressing his profound grief, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured all possible assistance. The Prime Minister spoke with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to assess the situation and ensure prompt rescue operations.
Minister Vaishnaw, deeply saddened by the tragedy, immediately set off for Balasore and pledged support for the injured and affected families. He confirmed the mobilization of rescue teams from Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state government teams, and the Air Force to ensure a comprehensive rescue operation.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has dispatched a six-member team to Balasore, considering the substantial number of West Bengal residents who were likely traveling aboard the ill-fated train. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, personally monitoring