Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]June 2 (ANI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will visit Balasore on Saturday morning and take stock of the ground situation after two passenger trains collided with a goods train, injuring several people.
“There have been casualties but we haven’t counted yet. It was a tragic train accident involving three trains – two passenger trains and a goods train,” Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said.
At least 132 people were injured after a collision between a passenger train and a goods train in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday, an additional rescue team of the Odisha Fire and Emergency Service along with advance rescue equipment from the Odisha Fire and Disaster Response Academy 26 members were included. The Odisha government said that Bhubaneswar has been shifted to the train accident site for rescue operations.
Talking to media persons, CM Patnaik said, “Our first priority is to take the injured persons to hospitals and save their lives. I have just reviewed the situation of this tragic train accident. I will visit the spot tomorrow morning.
Since other trains will be stopped in the districts falling on the affected routes, the collectors have been asked to ensure that all passengers remain safe.
“They have been asked to provide all necessary facilities, including water, sanitation, security, food, etc., at places where such trains may halt. Funds to be received from CMRF,” said the Development Commissioner, Odisha.
The Chief Minister also said that saving the lives of the injured passengers is now the topmost priority of the government.
PM Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured in the train accident in Odisha.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh in case of death of accident victims and Rs 2 lakh for seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Around 50 ambulances have reached the spot. The Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) and his team are on the spot, directing ambulances and first aid.
“50 doctors have been mobilized from other districts. Team of doctors left from SCB MCH. Private hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are also ready to take patients,” said Health Secretary, Odisha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took stock of the situation in Balasore, Odisha.
PM Modi said that the rescue operation is going on at the accident site and all possible help is being provided.
Prime Minister Modi tweeted and said, ‘I am distressed by the train accident in Odisha. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. May the injured get well soon. Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway at the accident site and all possible assistance is being provided to the affected people.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah has also expressed grief over the accident.
Shah said in a tweet, “The train accident in Balasore, Odisha is extremely painful. NDRF teams have already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin has expressed grief over the incident.
In a tweet, CM Stalin said, “Shocked to hear about the accident in Odisha State #CoromandelExpress. I immediately contacted Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha @Naveen_Odisha and inquired about the accident. The information he gave is disturbing. My deepest condolences to all those who lost their lives in the accident. I have ordered Hon’ble Transport Minister @sivasankar1ss and three IAS officers to go to Odisha to rescue the Tamils involved in the accident. I have also ordered to set up a #helpline immediately and help.”
Meanwhile, a help desk has been set up at Chennai railway station following the train accident in Odisha’s Balasore.
Several coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed after colliding with another passenger and a goods train near Bahanaga station in Odisha’s Balasore.
“There have been casualties but we haven’t counted yet. It was such a tragic train accident involving three trains – two passenger trains and a goods train,” Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said.
NDRF and SDRF teams are on the spot. 600-700 rescue force personnel are working. Rescue operation will be run throughout the night. All the hospitals are cooperating. Our immediate concern is to save the victims. Concerned officials reached the spot,” he said.
Odisha Chief Secretary said that the injured have been shifted to Soro CHC, Gopalpur CHC and Khantapada PHC.
According to railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma, the accident took place around 7 pm on Friday.
“Around 7 pm, 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Balasore and fell on the opposite track. After some time, another train going from Yesvantpur to Howrah collided with those derailed coaches, resulting in derailment of its 3-4 coaches,” Sharma told ANI.
The first 22-member NDRF team from Balasore Railway Station (BLS) has already reached the spot. Another 32-member Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) team started half an hour earlier, officials said.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed state minister Pramila Mallick and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to rush to the accident site immediately. The minister and SRC are on their way to the spot.
West Bengal CM Mamata shares emergency numbers after Odisha train accident.
“We are coordinating with the Odisha government and South Eastern Railway for the betterment of our people.”
The CM also shared the emergency control room numbers 033-22143526 and 033-22535185.
“I am personally monitoring the situation continuously,” she added.
He further said that the government is trying to coordinate with the Odisha government.
“I am personally monitoring the situation continuously along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officers,” she added.
However, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep said that a large number of buses have been sent to the accident site in Balasore.
“About 50 ambulances were sent, but the number of injured is very high,” he said. (ANI)
This report has been auto generated from ANI News Service. ThePrint is not responsible for its content.