Bhubaneswar: At least 200 passengers were injured and several passengers feared dead as Chennai-bound Coromandel Express (12841) collided with Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express (12864) at Panapana near Bahanaga station in Balasore district of Odisha today.

According to sources, two coaches of Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed at Panapana at around 7.08 pm. Coromandel Express, which was passing on the route, collided with the derailed coaches.

On being informed, railway employees along with security personnel rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

The Special Relief Commissioner in Odisha has asked the ODRAF to send a team to Balasore to assist in the rescue operation.

“Balasore district Collector has been asked to reach the spot and make all necessary arrangement in this regard. The Collector is told to intimate the SRC regarding any additional help to deal with the situation,” said an official.

The team of NDRF has been sent to the spot, said a source.

An emergency control room (Phone no. (06782) 262286) has been opened at Balasore. The Railway authorities, meanwhile, issued helpline numbers: 033-26382217 (Howrah); 8972073925, 9332392339 (Kharagpur); 8249591559, 7978418322 (Balasore) and 9903370746 (Shalimar).