The death toll in the three-train crash accident in Odisha's Balasore on Friday, 2 June, has risen to 288, according to State Revenue Minister Pramila Mallick. The incident has left over 900 others injured.
The rescue operations were still going on this morning.
Officials from the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority stated that the injured people were brought to Medical College in Balasore, Soro CHC, Gopalpur CHC, and Khantapada PHC for treatment.
Visuals from the site of the crash.
(Photo: Sourced by The Quint)
Several people are still feared trapped and rescue operations are ongoing. Over 550 rescue personnel of the NDRF, ODRAF and the fire services are said to be on the spot, cutting through the debris to look for survivors.
Death Toll at 233, CM Announces One-Day State Mourning
According to Chief Secretary PK Jena, the latest death toll in the train accident is at 233. Over 900 people are injured.
In a late night press address, Jena gave more details about the accident and said, "We have engaged more than 200 ambulances to take the injured to hospitals. We have three NDRF teams, four ODRAF teams and around 22 fire service teams - a total of 550 rescue workers - at the site to rescue people and we hope to complete the operation by tonight."
In view of the tragic rail accident, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has ordered a state-wide mourning for a day and hence no celebrations will take place on 3 June through out the State.
How Did It Happen?
Railways spokesperson Amitabh Sharma said that 10-12 coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near Balasore at around 7 pm and some of its boggies fell onto the opposite track. Later, another train going from Yeswanthpur to Howrah crashed into the derailed coaches, which led to the derailment of three or four coaches.
Jena later added that a third freight train was also involved in the accident.
PM Modi Expresses Condolences, Railways Minister Announces Ex-Gratia
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims of the accident.
"Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," he said.
The PM also said that he spoke to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation. "Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected," Modi added.
On the other hand, Vaishnaw took to Twitter to announce an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those with serious injuries, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that he was rushing to the control room to review the situation and would visit the site of the accident on Saturday, 3 June.
"I have just reviewed the situation about this truly tragic railway accident. I will be visiting the spot tomorrow morning," he said while addressing the press.
Meanwhile, several helpline numbers have been issued by officials.
Howrah helpline: 03326382217
Kharagpur Helpline 8972073925, 9332392339
Shalimar Helpline: 9903370746
Balasore Helpline: 8249591559, 7978418322
Vijayawada Station: 08662576924
Rajahmundry Station: 08832420541
Help Line numbers set up by SCR:
1. SCR Hqrs, Rail Nilayam, Secunderabad: 040 - 27788516
2. Vijayawada Rly Station 0866 - 2576924
3. Rajahmundry Rly Stn: 0883 - 2420541
4. Renigunta Railway Stn: 9949198414.
5. Tirupati Railway Stn: 7815915571
Helpline numbers set up by SWR:
Bangalore 080-22356409
Bangarpet: 08153 255253
Kuppam : 8431403419
SMVB : 09606005129
KJM :+91 88612 03980
Several Trains Cancelled
Following the tragedy, several trains have either been cancelled or diverted. South Eastern Railway tweeted out lists of train alerting the public.
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