Train accident in Odisha: Ministry of Railways issues helpline numbers

Bhubaneswar: With the death toll in the most tragic train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district is increasing, Ministry of Railways issued helpline numbers for civilians for inquiry.

The control room (Tel. No.: 0674-2534177) is functioning round the clock in the office of Special Relief Commissioner, Rajiv Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena is monitoring the situation minute by minute in the State Emergency Operation Center, Rajiv Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.

As per preliminary report, 238 passengers have died and around 900 others were injured in the massive train accident at Bahanaga Bazar Railway Station in Balasore district.

The incident occurred at around 7 pm on Friday involving three trains — Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore. Total 17 coaches of two superfast trains were derailed and severely damaged in the incident.

The rescue operation is still underway, and bodies are being recovered from ill-fated trains.

Total 7 NDRF Teams, 5 ODRAF Units and 24 Fire Services & Emergency Units have been engaged in rescue operation. More than 100 Medical Teams with paramedical staff along with medicines mobilized to the accident site for medical treatment. More than 200 Ambulances are engaged in shifting to hospitals and 30 buses engaged for stranded passengers for movement, the State Emergency Operation Centre stated.

Around 900 injured persons shifted to hospitals at Soro, Balasore, Bhadrak & Cuttack. The Revenue & Disaster Management Minister, Special Relief Commissioner and ACS are on the accident spot to monitor the search, rescue and relief operation. Many senior officials are also on duty to assist in rescue and relief operation.

In view of severity of the train mishap, the South Eastern Railway has cancelled 33 Trains and diverted 36 trains in other route.