The eastern Indian state of Odisha witnessed a horrific train collision yesterday, which claimed the lives of at least 288 people and injured over 800 more. According to the officials, it is the country’s deadliest rail accident in over two decades, and injured passengers have been taken to hospitals in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Soro.
The accident occurred near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district, about 171 km northeast of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha state. The two passenger trains collided on Friday evening, causing a catastrophic disaster for the passengers on board.
The railway officials confirmed that they are trying their best to ensure the smooth functioning of the rescue work, and are taking all necessary measures to provide aid to the victims and their families. The injured are reportedly receiving medical attention in nearby hospitals, and the officials have asked people to come forward and donate blood to help the injured.
This accident has put a spotlight on the safety of India’s railway infrastructure, with the country’s railway system being the backbone of the country’s transportation network. The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured.
India has seen several train disasters in recent years, and the government has been criticized for not taking enough steps to upgrade the railways’ safety mechanisms. With this latest disaster, the authorities will be under pressure to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
