Bhubaneswar: At least 50 persons have been killed and hundreds injured, in a major railway accident in Balasore district on Friday evening.
The mishap occurred when Bengaluru – Howrah Express rammed into Coromandel Express which had derailed near Bahanaga station in Balasore district, today evening.
While 12 coaches of Coromandel express had derailed, and infringed into the track on which, the Bengaluru (Yeshwantpur) – Howrah (2864) express was approaching.
The moving express train rammed into the derailed coaches leading to the derailment of another 4 coaches of the Bengaluru – Howrah Express.
The tragedy left several hundred injured, and many passengers feared dead. But there was no official confirmation yet.
Odisha Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu has directed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team at Balasore to proceed to the spot immediately for search and rescue operations.
On receiving information, the Balasore Collector, the SP rushed and other officials rushed to spot to supervise the rescue operation. Railway officials are now there on the spot. About 20 ambulances have been sent to the accident spot to transport the passengers to local hospitals, officials said.
Two fire teams were sent from Bhadrak to the spot. An emergency helpline No +91 6782 262 286 has been opened at Balasore. The Odisha government has directed the fire service DG to rush to the spot and monitor the rescue operation.
Doctors were sent from Balasore Medical College. So far, there are 10 injured passengers at Balasore Medical College, officials said. All medical college and all hospitals in and around Balasore have been kept on alert. SCB Medical College, Cuttack has also been put on readiness.
Below are the Helpline Nos issued by the Railways
- Howrah: 033 – 26382217
- Kharagpur: 8972073925, 9332392339
- Balasore: 8249591559, 7978418322
- SHM Helpline: 9903370746
