Understanding the Odisha Train Tragedy

Taiwanese President, Tsai Ing-wen, extends her heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the devastating train accident in Odisha, India. In a tweet, she expressed her prayers for everyone impacted and hopes for successful rescue operations.

The tragic incident occurred near Bahanaga Bazar station, as the Coromandel Express en route to Chennai collided with the derailed coaches of another train traveling from Yeswanthpur to Howrah. The South Eastern Railway reported 238 casualties, with approximately 650 injured passengers receiving medical treatment in nearby hospitals.

Odisha Chief Secretary, Pradeep Jena, provided updates during a press conference, stating that efforts are ongoing to cut through the severely damaged remaining bogie. So far, 900 injured passengers have been receiving treatment across various hospitals in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Cuttack districts. The search and rescue operation continues as authorities recover the bodies of the victims.

Due to the extensive damage to the train, the recovery mission poses significant challenges. The Railway Board Chairman, NDRF chief, and District Magistrate are present at the site, coordinating with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Orissa Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Service. Autopsies have commenced, and bodies are being identified and handed over to their respective families upon producing necessary identity documents.

To provide swift medical assistance, a substantial number of ambulances, including those from the 108 fleets and government, along with Mobile Health Teams and additional doctors, have been mobilized to the scene.

As the rescue and recovery efforts persist, the authorities remain dedicated to finding survivors and assisting the affected families during this difficult time.

Re-Reported from the source originally published in LokmatTimes English.