The recent train tragedy in Odisha has left the nation reeling after at least 261 people died and over 900 were injured, making it one of the deadliest train accidents in decades. The accident occurred when the Coromandel Express, travelling towards Chennai, first derailed and collided with a stationary goods train, before some of its coaches collided with SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express travelling on the adjoining track. The exact cause of the crash is unclear, though possible signalling failure and the absence of the ‘kavach’ system on both trains have been suggested.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the accident. A high-level inquiry will be headed by the commissioner of railway safety, South Eastern Circle, and will be conducted alongside an independent inquiry by the rail safety commissioner. Meanwhile, rescue operations have been completed, and restoration work has started.
The death toll of this accident is reminiscent of India’s deadliest train collision in 1995 when Purushottam Express and Kalindi Express collided with each other, claiming approximately 358 lives. In 1999, a similar accident occurred when Brahmaputra Mail collided with Awadh-Assam Express near Gaisal in Assam, taking the lives of around 290 people.
The Indian Railways is taking this tragedy seriously and investigating it thoroughly to prevent such incidents from happening again.
