Odisha train accident: Congress expresses concern over "horrendous" train accident, emphasises safety as top priority

The Congress party expressed its concern over the "horrendous" train accident in Odisha, emphasising the significance of prioritising safety in the operation of the railway network. With the involvement of the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train, the tragic incident in Balasore district resulted in the loss of nearly 300 lives and left around 1000 individuals injured.

The Congress general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, conveyed his deep distress over the Odisha train accident, describing it as a truly appalling event.

"It reinforces why SAFETY should always be the foremost priority in the functioning of the rail network. There are many legitimate questions that need to be raised but that should wait till tomorrow," Ramesh tweeted.


Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi on Friday night expressed sadness over the tragedy and urged party workers and leaders to extend all support needed for the rescue efforts.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged the Odisha government to investigate and determine the cause of the train collision.

"In the case of the terrible train accident that took place in the state of Odisha yesterday, the government there should take action and find the cause of the accident. Steps should be taken to prevent another accident. May God give strength to the family of those who died in the accident to bear the pain," says Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

During the incident, the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed and toppled onto adjacent tracks at Bahanaga Bazar in Balasore, while en route to Howrah. The incident occurred at 7.10 pm, approximately 140 km from Kharagpur in West Bengal.

The Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express, approaching from the opposite direction on a parallel track, collided with the derailed coaches of the Howrah-bound train. Some of the derailed coaches from the Coromandel Express struck a stationary goods train on the third track.

"As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro," the South Eastern Railway said.

The 12864 Sir M Visvesvaraya (Bengaluru)-Howrah Express Superfast Express travelled towards Howrah with 1000 passengers. A special train carrying 200 stranded passengers is now headed from Balasore to Howrah.

Earlier, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation.

NDRF, state government and Air Force teams have been mobilised for rescue operations.

Inputs from ANI