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In the aftermath of a catastrophic train derailment in India on Friday night, rescuers fearlessly ventured through heaps of debris and wreckage. Their heroic efforts aimed to extract the bodies of the deceased and liberate numerous individuals who found themselves trapped within over a dozen severely damaged rail cars. This devastating train crash ranks among the deadliest in the country’s recent history, claiming the lives of over 230 people and inflicting unimaginable suffering upon countless others.
Chaos unfolded at the site of the accident, situated approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) southwest of Kolkata, as rescuers scrambled to bring relief to the victims. Scaling the wreckage, they resorted to cutting torches to pry open doors and windows, freeing survivors trapped inside. The harrowing incident, which occurred in the Balasore district of the eastern state of Odisha, left around 900 people injured, according to P.K. Jena, the state’s highest administrative authority. As authorities delve into the investigation, the cause of the tragic incident remains under scrutiny.
According to Amitabh Sharma, spokesperson for the railroad ministry, the derailment of one train resulted in the overturning of approximately ten to twelve coaches. Furthermore, debris from the mangled coaches spilled onto an adjacent track. Tragically, this led to a collision with another passenger train approaching from the opposite direction, causing up to three coaches of the second train to derail as well.
While the involvement of a third train carrying freight was reported by the Press Trust of India, official confirmation from railroad authorities was not immediately available. According to PTI, some of the derailed passenger coaches collided with cars from the freight train. Tragically, the death toll continued to rise steadily throughout the night. As Saturday dawned, P.K. Jena stated that the number of confirmed fatalities had reached at least 233. In the aftermath, numerous lifeless bodies lay on the ground near the train tracks, concealed under white sheets, while local residents and rescuers raced against time to assist the survivors.
On Saturday morning, television footage depicted dedicated teams of rescuers and police meticulously sifting through the wreckage as the search and rescue operation persisted. Additionally, a significant number of individuals arrived at a local hospital, offering their blood donations to support the injured. Officials revealed that throughout the night, 1,200 rescuers, supported by 115 ambulances, 50 buses, and 45 mobile health units, relentlessly worked at the accident site. Recognizing the magnitude of the tragedy, Saturday was declared as a day of mourning in the state.
In response to the loud noise caused by the train coaches derailing, villagers swiftly flocked to the site, mobilizing efforts to evacuate people in need. The selfless actions of the local community were commendable, as they not only assisted in rescuing individuals but also retrieved their belongings and provided water. Rupam Banerjee, a survivor, expressed deep gratitude for the villagers’ unwavering support, stating, “The local people really went out on a limb to help us. They not only helped in pulling out people but retrieved our luggage and got us water,” as reported by PTI.
Describing the terrifying moments inside the train during the derailment, passenger Vandana Kaleda recalled the chaos that ensued. As her coach violently shook and derailed, people were thrown off balance, falling upon one another. Vandana shared her experience, saying, “As I stepped out of the washroom, suddenly the train tilted. I lost my balance. … Everything went topsy turvy. People started falling on each other, and I was shocked and could not understand what happened. My mind stopped working.” Grateful for her survival, she expressed a sense of luck amidst the tragedy.
A survivor, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted his experience, stating that he was asleep when the impact jolted him awake. Witnessing the aftermath of the derailment, he observed fellow passengers with broken limbs and disfigured faces. According to PTI, the derailed train involved in the incident was the Coromandel Express, which was en route from Howrah in West Bengal state to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu state in the south.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the grieving families affected by the train derailment. Taking to Twitter, he conveyed his thoughts and stated, “May the injured recover soon.” Prime Minister Modi further mentioned that he had personally spoken to the railway minister and assured that all necessary support and assistance were being extended in response to the tragic incident.
