Preliminary Report Shows Signal Error in Odisha Train Crash; PM Vows to Punish Offenders as Death Toll Rises to 288

The investigation into the devastating three-train crash in India’s Odisha state that left at least 288 people dead and over 800 injured continues. Officials submitted a preliminary inquiry report into the accident and are looking into the possibility of human error or signal failure. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has promised that stringent action will be taken against those found guilty. The accident involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which were carrying around 2,000 passengers, and a goods train. Reports suggest that a signal was given to Coromandel Express to enter the main line but it was taken off and the train entered the loop line, where it crashed into a goods train parked there. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express was travelling at high speed and crashed into the coaches of the Coromandel Express. The injured were admitted to four hospitals, and investigations continue.