In a tragic incident in India’s eastern Odisha state, a multiple train collision has claimed the lives of at least 288 people, with 850 others injured, according to officials. The collision occurred when one passenger train derailed and was subsequently struck by another train on the adjacent track. The incident involved the Coromandel Express and the Howrah Superfast Express, making it the worst train crash in India this century. Rescue operations are underway, and the death toll is expected to rise further.
The director general of Odisha Fire Services, Sudhanshu Sarangi, confirmed the death toll of 288, while more than 100 additional doctors have been mobilized to provide assistance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed distress over the incident and offered his condolences to the bereaved families. Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed deep anguish regarding the tragedy. Survivors recounted the chaos and injuries they experienced, with one passenger describing the horrifying scene of people trapped and severely injured.
India has one of the world’s largest train networks, and accidents are unfortunately common despite efforts to improve infrastructure. The worst train disaster in India’s history occurred in 1981 when a cyclone caused an overcrowded passenger train to derail, resulting in the deaths of over 800 people. As investigations continue into the Odisha incident, the nation mourns the lives lost in this devastating train crash.
Source:BBC
