Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised stringent punishments for those found guilty in the recent deadly train accident in Odisha state. The incident, which involved two passenger trains and a goods train, resulted in the deaths of at least 288 people and left over 800 injured. Mr. Modi visited the scene, labeling it a “painful” event, and assured that his government would spare no effort in treating the injured. The cause of the collision, described as India’s worst rail accident of the century, is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest signal failure.
Rescue efforts have concluded, with all trapped and injured passengers successfully retrieved. The crash site is now being restored, according to the railway ministry. Survivors and eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes and the heroic efforts of nearby villagers who participated in the rescue operation. The trauma center at the SCB hospital in Cuttack has been receiving injured passengers, and the number of admissions continues to rise. The overcrowded hospital has expanded its facilities to accommodate the influx of patients. Family members anxiously wait outside, searching for their loved ones.
India has one of the largest train networks in the world, and while millions of people use it daily, the country’s railway infrastructure requires significant improvement. The collision involved two fully packed passenger trains, with many more people on the waiting list. India has a history of deadly train accidents, and the worst on record occurred in 1981 when an overcrowded passenger train was swept off the tracks during a cyclone, claiming the lives of approximately 800 people. A full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the Odisha crash.
Source:BBC
