Tag: Odisha government

Odisha train tragedy: World leaders condole loss of lives, extend support

Leaders from across the world, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash that took place in Odisha in which at least 261 people were killed.

The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday night. The accident also injured more than 900 people.

Russian President Putin expressed his condolences in a telegram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Please accept our deep condolences over the tragic aftermath of the train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their relatives and close ones in this catastrophe and we hope for a speedy recovery to everyone injured,” says the telegram, published on the Kremlin’s website.

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the train accident.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Kishida said in a statement.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I pray for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly,” Hayashi said.

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.

“The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India,” Trudeau tweeted.

Nepal Prime Minister ‘Prachanda’, who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, “I’m saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished speedy recovery to those injured in the accident.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for a speedy recovery of the injured,” Sharif tweeted.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is “deeply saddened” to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief,” Ali Sabry tweeted.

Bhutan’s Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted,” Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing.”

The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy.

“The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued,” Tajani tweeted.

UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India,” Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims.

“Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need,” she tweeted.

June 3, 2023
Balasore train accident: PM Modi takes stock of situation at spot

Balasore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the train accident site at Bahanaga of Odisha’s Balasore district and reviewed situation on Saturday.

The Prime Minister arrived at the accident site with a special helicopter of the Air Force along with his principal secretary PK Mishra. He visited the accident spot and spoke with some concerned officials to know more about the tragedy.

Apart from taking stock of the situation at the accident spot, Modi also visited the Balasore District Headquarter Hospital. He met some injured persons and the doctors at the hospital. He discussed about their treatment and wished their speedy recovery.

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan were present with the Prime Minister.

It is to be noted here that 261 passengers were killed while around 900 others were injured after several coaches of the Coromandel Express and SMVT-Howrah Super Fast Express derailed in Balasore district yesterday evening,

June 3, 2023
Odisha train accident: Here’s list & details of passengers who were in Coromandel Express

Bhubaneswar: Over 261 people were killed while over 900 persons are stated to be injured after the Coromandal Express train met with an accident and dashed with stationery goods train at Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha’s Balasore district last evening.

According to government sources, the impact was such that its 21 coaches derailed with its 3 coaches infringing on the other line (Dn line). Simultaneously, Yeshwantpur-Howrah Express was passing through Bahanaga Bazar station and collided, with its rearmost 2 coaches derailed.

There were about 1257 reserved passengers onboard Coromandel Express and 1039 reserved passengers onboard Yashwantpur Express.

The tragedy is considered to be one of the deadliest accidents in history of Indian railways.

As per the latest reports, the rescue operation has completed and the restoration works has started by the different teams of the Odisha and central government.

The injured people have been admitted at different hospitals. In such situation, relatives of some passengers are unaware of their whereabouts. In order to help them get connected, the railway department has issued the following list and details of passengers who were in Coromandel Express:

June 3, 2023
By the grace of God, I survived, says Odisha train tragedy survivor

Bhubaneswar: Manikal Tiwari, the fortunate and one of the survivors of the massive train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district, feels that he got a rebirth by the grace of God.

Tiwari, a resident of Balasore town, narrowly escaped death with serious injuries to his arm and head.

Recalling the horror, he said, “I boarded the S1 coach of the Coromandel express train at Balasore and was traveling to Cuttack. I was doing video recording on my mobile at the window to show my family members about the speed of the train.”

Suddenly, in between Khantapara and Bahanaga, his coach derailed and overturned. The entire area became dark and full of dust, Tiwari said, adding, “I was bleeding profusely from my head and suffered a serious injury in the arm.”

“The entire mishap happened in only five seconds. A young couple was seated in front of me. While the man died, his wife survived,” he said.

He said that he was traveling in a reserved compartment. The coach was fully packed with passengers, and many of them might not have tickets. At the time of the incident, the train was running at a speed of over 100 kmph, Tiwari said.

“When I managed to get out of the ill-fitted coach, to my horror I saw that my coach was completely smashed and hundreds of people were lying across the track with no movement at all,” he said.

“By the grace of God, I survived. I don’t even want to recall the Black Friday,” the survivor said.

Notably, over 261 died and 900 persons have been injured in the mishap. The injured passengers have been admitted to Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Soro, and Cuttack SCB hospitals.

June 3, 2023
‘The person you are calling is no more’, aftermaths of Balasore train tragedy comes to light
Balasore: Odisha experienced the biggest train accident of the century with over 233 casualties and 900 injuries. On Friday evening, Coromandel Express train derailed after colliding with good train in Bahanaga Station in Balasore of Odisha leading to loss of lives in huge number.

In such a situation, heart-wrenching scenes of strangers receiving calls from dead bodies and informing the deceased’s families about their demise is coming forward.

The Howrah-Chennai Coromandel train was carrying thousands of passengers from all over the country. As the news of the accident is now all over the nation, the family of the passengers have been trying to contact them over the call to know their whereabouts. As the deceased cannot receive the calls, the residents and workers present in the hospital are receiving the call and informing them about the demise of the person.

Meanwhile, the rescue operation is still continuing even after 12 hours of the mishap, informed Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena. The Chief Secy also informed that rescue operation is taking time as the last coach of the ill-fated train Coromandel has been extensively damaged while another coach has climbed onto it.

NDRF and other personnel are carrying out the rescue operations. Several volunteers came forward and at present there is a stock of 900 units of blood in Balasore following a massive donation by the locals. Similarly, volunteers are also ready to donate blood in Bhadrak and Cuttack. The process of identifying the bodies and autopsy has already started.

The bodies will be dispatched to their destinations after autopsy. The statutory procedure to identify the bodies has also been started, informed Chief Secy.

Note-worthy, that over 900 passengers are stated to be injured while more than 238 died as 8-10 bogies of the train skidded off the track after being hit by goods train near Bahanaga.

HELPLINE NUMBER:

Disaster management Numbers at GRC- 03324503371, 03324397928
- Rly Number – 46060, 46061.
- HWH – 033-26382217.
- KGP- 8972073925, 9332392339.
- BLS- 8249591559, 7978418322.
- SHM- 9903370746.
Helpline numbers set up by SWR at
- Bangalore: 080-22356409
- Bangarpet: 08153 255253
- Kuppam : 8431403419
- SMVB : 09606005129
- KJM :+91 88612 03980
June 3, 2023
Coromandel Express accident: High-level inquiry will be conducted, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Balasore: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today reached the spot of the tragic train derailment in Balasore district that claimed the lives of 233 people and over 900 injured. He also took stock of the situation.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw said: “Our prime focus is on rescue and proper treatment of the injured persons, and dissemination of proper information of the passengers to their relatives.

“Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. All machinery required for the restoration work have been kept ready at Soro, Balasore.”

The Union Minister also informed that a detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also carry out an independent inquiry into the accident deemed as one of the worst the country has witnessed in the last 15 years.

Asked about the reason behind the massive accident which also left more than 900 people injured, he said: “The reason can be ascertained only after completion of the inquiry.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also reached the accident site to review the situation and rescue operation.

June 3, 2023
Odisha train tragedy: 18 trains cancelled, 7 diverted and 1 partially cancelled

Kolkata: As many as 18 trains remain cancelled and seven of them have been diverted, and one train is partially cancelled following the Odisha train tragedy.

The trains starting from various locations were intended to pass through the Balasore stretch where more than 50 persons have been killed and over 100 injured, following several coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel express train derailed near the Bahanaga railway station in Odisha’s Balasore district.

Following trains scheduled to commence their journey on Friday and Saturday will remain cancelled according to the latest bulletin released by the Indian Railways.

“12837 Howrah-Puri Express; 12863 Howrah-Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal Express; 12839 Howrah-Chennai Mail; 12895 Shalimar-Puri Superfast Express; 20831 Shalimar-Sambalpur Express; 02837 Santragachi-Puri Special; 22201 Sealdah-Puri Duronto Express, 12509 SMVT Bengaluru-Guwahati from Bangalore, all trains intended to commence their journey on Friday (June 2) are cancelled.”

12074 Bhubaneswar-Howrah Jan Shatabdi Express from Bhubaneswar; 12073 Howrah-Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi Express from Howrah; 12278 Puri-Howrah Shatabdi Express from Puri; 12277 Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express from Howrah; 12822 Puri-Shalimar Dhauli Express from Puri; 12821 ShalimarPuri Dhauli Express from Shalimar; 12892 Puri-Bangiriposi from Puri; 12891 Bangiriposi-Puri Express from Bangiriposi; 02838 Puri-Santragachhi Special from Puri; 12842 Chennai-Shalimar Coromandel Express from Chennai trains which were intended to commence their journey on June 3 (Saturday) have also been cancelled.

The following trains will be diverted via Tatanagar as per the official press release. 22807 Santragachi-Chennai Express; 22873 Digha-Visakhapatnam Express; 18409 Shalimar-Puri Sri Jagannath Express; 22817 Howrah-Mysuru Express journey commencing on June 2 will be diverted via Tatanagar.

12802 New Delhi-Puri Purusottam Express from New Delhi commenced journey on June 1 will run via Tata-Kendujhargarh.

18478 Rishikesh-Puri Kalinga Utkal Express from Rishikesh began its journey on June 1 will run via Tata-Kendujhargarh.

12815 Puri-Anand Vihar (new Delhi) Nandankanan Express from Puri on June 3 will run via Jakhapura-Jaroli.

08415 Jaleswar-Puri Special from Jaleswar on June 3 will originate from Bhadrak instead of Jaleswar, according to the latest official bulletin.

June 3, 2023
Picture of humanity of Balasore residents, flock to donate blood for accident victims

Balasore: Odisha experienced the biggest train accident of the century. On Friday evening, over 8-10 bogies of Coromondel Express train derailed after colliding with goods train near Bahanaga of Odisha’s Balasore district. Due to the accident, over 233 people lost their lives and 900 got injured.

In such a situation, the residents of Balasore have shown a great view of humanity. Last night yesterday, hundreds of people reached Balasore District Headquarter Hospital to donate blood to the victims of the train mishap.

The scene of the hospital was heart warming as numerous people reached out the hospitals so that they can help out the injured.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep concern over disaster Coromandel Express accident near Balasore said that saving lives of injured passengers is now top priority of the government. He visited the SRC Office on Friday evening and took stock of the situation.

Speaking to media persons the CM said that our first priority is to take injured persons to hospitals and save their lives. He will visit the accident site today morning and review the situation on spot.

While over 233 people were killed, more than 900 people were injured due to the train accident in Odisha.

Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced compensation for the kin of the victims. “Ex-gratia compensation of 10 Lakh in case of death, Rs 2 Lakh towards grievous and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries,” he said.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with several others expressed their deep grief over the loss of lives and property following the train accident in Odisha.

June 3, 2023
Odisha Train Tragedy: Mamata-Railway Minister spar over death toll at accident spot

Bhubaneswar: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday engaged in a verbal duel at the train accident site in Odisha’s Balasore district.

While interacting with the media, Mamata said she got information that the death toll in the train crash might exceed 500.

At this, Vaishaw, who was standing beside her intervened immediately and said, “As per Odisha government’s data, the death toll is 238.”

In response to the Railway Minister’s reply, the West Bengal CM reiterated the figure claiming that 238 was Friday night’s toll. “Rescue work in three coaches is still not complete, hence the toll would go up further,” she ascertained.

The Chief Minister also said that anti-collision was not fitted in the express trains which led to the mishap. She demanded a high-level probe into the accident.

As per latest official figures, the toll in the train tragedy has increased to 261, while more than 900 are injured.

The injured passengers have been admitted in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Soro and Cuttack SCB hospitals.

June 3, 2023
Strong wind blows roof off hotel in Odisha

Cuttack: Norwester rain accompanied with strong wind was reported in different parts of Odisha this afternoon. Though the weather activities brought a sigh of relief to the people who were reeling under scorching heat wave conditions for the past several days, they caused destruction in some places of the State.

One such report of damage due to rain and strong wind was reported from Athagarh area of Cuttack district. As per report, the asbestos roof of a hotel was blown away by a strong wind.

The strong wind blew the roof off the hotel to a distance of around 100 mitres while at least 20 people were having their lunch.

Luckily, though none of the occupant was injured due to the mishap, the food and utensils of the hotel, apart from the asbestos, were completely damaged.

Besides, the grocery items kept to prepare food for the customers also got wet and some of them were damaged following the heavy rain and wind in the locality, said sources adding that power supply was also disrupted in the area.

May 25, 2023