PM Modi expresses grief and offers support after Balasore train crash
Balasore, Odisha – In a tragic incident on Friday evening, three trains departing from Balasore district met with a catastrophic accident, claiming the lives of more than 238 individuals. The devastating aftermath of the incident, captured by news agencies, NDRF, and private news channels, has left the nation in shock.
As the scene unfolded, the sight outside the train carriages was nothing short of harrowing. Approximately four bogies were found overturned, with some stacked on top of each other and others severely damaged. Shockingly, the engine of one train had mounted itself onto a goods train, exacerbating the severity of the wreckage. The force of the accident had torn apart the train’s floor and roof, causing the tracks to protrude through the overturned bogie.
#WATCH हम S5 बोगी में थे और जिस समय हादसा हुआ उस उस समय मैं सोया हुआ था… हमने देखा कि किसी का सर, हाथ, पैर नहीं था… हमारी सीट के निचे एक 2 साल का बच्चा था जो पूरी तरह से सुरक्षित है। बाद में हमने उसके परिवारिजन को बचाया: हादसे के बारे में बताते हुए कोरोमंडल एक्सप्रेस का एक… pic.twitter.com/0Ni3WR1Lwy
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) June 2, 2023
The tracks were strewn with personal belongings of the passengers, with some bags partially open, revealing their contents. Tragically, the deceased were respectfully placed in bags along the tracks, awaiting transportation to the hospital for further proceedings.
#WATCH ओडिशा के बालासोर में दो यात्री ट्रेन और एक मालगाड़ी के दुर्घटनाग्रस्त होने के बाद बचाव कर्मी फंसे लोगों को बचाने में लगे हैं। वीडियो दुर्घटनास्थल से सुबह की है।
— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) June 3, 2023
दुर्घटना में 233 लोगों की मृत्यु और 900 लोग घायल हुए हैं। pic.twitter.com/07g0hqHrXA
Inside the train carriages, a scene of chaos and desperation unfolded. Slippers and clothing lay scattered amidst the wreckage, serving as painful reminders of the passengers’ interrupted journeys. In a race against time, rescue operations were underway, with courageous individuals employing makeshift ropes and cloth to extricate trapped survivors. The injured occupants bore witness to a horrifying scene, with severed limbs and severe injuries further compounding the tragedy.
Despite the initial chaos, the absence of any sounds from within the bogies reduced the likelihood of survivors being trapped. However, the rescue operation continued unabated. The shattered glass and mangled seats within the bogies testified to the magnitude of the impact.
Following the disaster, prominent figures began expressing their concerns. TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee called for the resignation of the Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnav. In response, Vaishnav emphasized the immediate priority of saving lives and providing relief. He pledged to commence repair work once the accident site had been cleared.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav visited the accident site the morning after the tragedy, engaging with officials and assessing the situation firsthand. The distressing images emerging from the accident site have left many deeply unsettled.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief through a heartfelt tweet. He wrote, “I am distressed by the train accident in Odisha. My condolences are with the families in their hour of grief. May those injured in the accident recover swiftly. I have spoken to the Railway Minister to inquire about the situation. Rescue work is ongoing, and we will provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2023
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this horrific train accident, the focus remains on rescuing survivors, attending to the injured, and providing solace to the bereaved. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety measures within the railway system to prevent such tragedies from recurring in the future.