Balasore: At least 233 people have died and about 900 injured in a horrific train crash in Odisha on Friday, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, officials said.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw who took stock of the situation has assured to conduct a detailed high-level inquiry on the mishap. While speaking to reporters, he said, “A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry.” “Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration,” he said.
How the triple train crash incident happened:
Several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, on the way to Howrah, derailed and fell on adjacent tracks. These derailed coaches then collided with the 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and its coaches capsized too. A goods train was also involved in the accident as some of the coaches of the Coromandel Express, which was heading to Chennai, hit its wagons after getting derailed.
Officials said Bengaluru-Howrah superfast which was on the down line derailed at 6.55pm, and Coromandel on the up line derailed at 7pm. The goods train was parked on the track when it was hit.
