Odisha train accident: Odisha’s Worst Train Accident in the 21st Century
In the eastern state of Odisha, India, a tragic train collision unfolded, claiming the lives of 261 individuals and leaving countless others injured, with many facing critical conditions. Regarded as the most catastrophic train accident in India in recent times, the incident has left the nation grappling with grief and seeking answers. The investigation into this harrowing incident is currently underway, as authorities strive to unravel the cause behind this fateful collision.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, deeply affected by the magnitude of the tragedy, personally visited the crash site. To ensure a thorough examination of the events leading to the accident, he announced the formation of a high-level committee. Tasked with investigating every aspect of the incident, the commissioner of railway safety for the south-eastern circle has been entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading the inquiry. This circle encompasses the Balasore district, where the unfortunate calamity unfolded.
While the precise details of the collision remain elusive, the railway ministry has shed some light on the timeline of events. The crash occurred at approximately 18:55 (13:25 GMT) on a fateful Friday near the Bahanaga Bazar station, which lies approximately 270 kilometers south of Kolkata and 170 kilometers north of Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital city.
The accident involved three trains, setting the stage for the devastating collision. The Coromandel Express, which commenced its journey from Shalimar railway station in West Bengal with Chennai as its destination, experienced the initial derailment. Subsequently, the Howrah Superfast Express, originating from Yesvantpur station in Bengaluru, bound for Howrah, collided with the overturned carriages of the Coromandel Express. Additionally, a stationary goods train at the Bahanaga Bazar station became an unfortunate participant in this three-way accident.
Although there are conflicting accounts regarding the sequence of events, Railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma clarified that the Coromandel Express was the first train to derail. Approximately 10 to 12 coaches of the train veered off the tracks, coming to rest on an adjacent pathway. Within moments, the Howrah Superfast Express collided with the overturned carriages, resulting in the derailment of three to four of its coaches.
Accounts from the Odisha government and eyewitnesses residing in the vicinity of the station corroborate the involvement of three trains in this catastrophic incident. Girija Shankar Rath, a local resident and one of the first responders, described the derailment of the Coromandel Express, which subsequently collided with the goods train parked on an adjacent track. Rath recalled the chaos that ensued, with smoke engulfing the area. Another eyewitness, Tutu Biswas, rushed to the scene upon hearing a deafening noise. He observed the impact of some coaches from the Coromandel Express crashing into the stationary goods train. Heartbreakingly, Biswas encountered a young boy who had lost both his parents and bore witness to their tragic demise.
The collision wreaked havoc on 17 coaches from the two passenger trains involved, posing a formidable challenge for the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Rescue teams, consisting of ambulance crews, doctors, nurses, and dedicated personnel, toiled relentlessly for 18 grueling hours, battling the wreckage to rescue trapped passengers and retrieve lifeless bodies.
This heart-wrenching incident now stands among the five deadliest accidents in the history of Indian railways. Atul Karwal, the chief of the NDRF, emphasized the sheer force of the collision, which left several coaches shattered and mangled, requiring arduous efforts to access the passengers.
India boasts one of the world’s largest train networks, facilitating the daily commute of millions of passengers through its fleet of over 12,000 trains. However, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for significant improvements in railway infrastructure to enhance safety measures and avert such catastrophic accidents.
Discover the details of the devastating train collision in Odisha, India, involving three trains. With a high loss of life and numerous injuries, the investigation seeks to uncover the cause behind this tragic incident and emphasizes the need for enhanced railway safety measures. Explore the article for insights into the accident and efforts to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Odisha train accident
Conclusion
The collision of three trains in an Odisha train accident resulted in an overwhelming loss of lives and numerous injuries. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative to determine the root cause and implement measures to prevent similar tragedies from recurring in the future.
