As a result of a terrible collision between two trains in the Indian state of Odisha, the death toll has increased to more than 288, while more than 850 passengers have been injured.
According to NDTV, the accident took place on Friday evening in Balasore area, about 200 km from Bhubaneswar, and several coaches of the passenger train derailed.
Meanwhile, another train coming from behind also hit him.
Odisha Chief Secretary PK Jena says that a third goods vehicle was also involved in the accident.
The accident is being described as India’s deadliest accident in recent years.
The trains involved in the accident include Banigalluru Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar Chennai Central Coromandel Express and one freight car each.
Odisha Chief Secretary PK Jena said the accident took place at around 7 pm in Balasore district, 250 km south of Kolkata.
After the accident, a security operation was started, which is still ongoing. The dead and injured have been shifted to hospitals in nearby cities, and an emergency has been declared in all hospitals.
Odisha Chief Secretary told NDTV that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, 15 fire brigade teams, 30 doctors, 200 police personnel, and 60 ambulances are participating in the rescue operation.
Expressing grief over the accident, Chief Minister Naveen Patanik has also announced a one-day mourning.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vishna wrote in a tweet shortly after the accident that “the Air Force has been called for a rescue operation.’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the accident and announced Rs 2 lakh for the family of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
After the accident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote in a tweet that she, along with the Chief Secretary and other officials, were reviewing the situation.
Officials say that the service of 18 long-distance trains has been suspended following the accident.
[…] person has been killed and nine injured, including children, in a roller coaster accident in […]