**Cuttack**: In a tragic incident, two passengers were killed and several were critically injured in a train collision at Kathajodi railway station in Cuttack on Thursday evening.
Around 21 persons were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack in critical condition.
According to reports, Bhubaneswar-Bhadrak DMU train collided with a stationary freight train near Kathajodi station, 200 metres before the Cuttack railway station at around 6.30 pm resulting in derailment of several bogies.
According to East Coast Railway official, initial reports coming that 78408 Bhubaneswar-Bhadark passenger train collided from rear with a goods train at around 6.30 pm. Details of injured not yet available.
Senior Railway officers with accident relief trains and medical van have already rushed to the spot, the ECoR sources added.
Speaking to Ommcom News, Twin City Police Commissioner Y.B. Khurania who is on the spot said two passengers have been stuck up in the mangled bogey and rescue operation is underway.
Besides, Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora, Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra and DRM (Khurda) and Railway Chief Safety Officer (ECoR) have also rushed to the accident site.
“Several persons have been trapped in the train. We are trying to rescue themby cutting the bogeys. The injured are rushed to the SCB Hospital for treatment,” Collector Nirmal Chandra Mishra said.
Meanwhile, Chief Safety Officer of ECoR and Khurda Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), have also rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.
“As per the latest reports, around 34 people have been affected, out of which 32 are injured and 2 are dead. There are 26 males and 6 females in the injured. The medical team is ready for their treatment,” he said.
Train services between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are affected as of now, the ECoR sources informed.
The General Manager of ECoR has formed a team to probe into the incident and to ascertain the reasons behind the mishap.
A ECoR report said the Puri-Durg Express will now be diverted via Barang-Naraj towards Dhenkanal, instead of Cuttack.
The local police and ECoR authorities have began rescue operations and the injured are being shifted to nearby hospital. The personnel of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have also joined them.
An accident relief train and a medical van have rushed to the place of accident, ECoR officials said.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed concern over the accident and has directed state government officials to ensure free treatment to the injured passengers.
Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak also said that he has asked the SCB Medical authorities to provide immediate medical treatment to the injured.
” A team of doctors was formed under guidance of SCBMCH Superintendent and number of beds also increased for treatment of the injured passengers,” Nayak added.
“Best treatment should be provided to the injured. The railway officials whose carelessness resulted in this mishap should be duly punished. And a proper compensation amount should be provided to the dead and injured,” said Md. Moqim, Cuttack District Congress President.
Governor SC Jamir has expressed concern over the tragic incident.
“We have rushed the relief and medical equipment vans to the accident site.Train service between Barang and Cuttack has been affected after which Puri-Durg Express train has been diverted from Naraj via Dhenkanal,” Jyoti Ranjan Mishra, Chief Public Relation Officer (CPRO), ECoR said.
The ECoR has issued helpline numbers for the people who want to inquire about the passengers in the ill-fated train: 0674 2490670, 2301525, and 9437579238.