Odisha rail accident century's biggest train disaster: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said the horrific train accident in Odisha's Balasore district was the "biggest of the century" and a proper investigation was needed to get to the truth. Banerjee, who was the railway minister twice, flew to the accident site on Saturday afternoon to take stock of rescue operations. She spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and other senior officials who were already present there.

"This is the biggest train accident of this century and a proper investigation must be conducted," Banerjee told reporters.

"Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee questioned.


She also offered her government's full assistance to the Railways and the Odisha government. "We have already sent 70 ambulances, 40 doctors and nurses to help the injured," she said.

Banerjee announced that West Bengal government would pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of passengers from West Bengal killed in the accident.

The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe.

(With inputs from PTI)