Dikhyaa Mohanty 
More than 200 people were killed and 900 were injured when a passenger train hit the derailed coaches of another train in Odisha’s Balasore Friday evening.
The crash, one of the deadliest in India in recent times, involved the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has declared one-day state mourning in view of the horrific train crash.
The Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express’ 10 to 12 derailed carriages fell into the opposing track due to the disaster. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express then struck the derailed cars, causing three to four of its own coaches to derrail as a result. A cargo train was also involved in the collision, heightening the tragedy.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the minister of railways, declared on Saturday that he has mandated a high-level investigation into the incident. The minister was quoted by ANI as saying, “The accident was unfortunate, and the rescue operation started shortly after the incident was reported to his ministry.” The ex-gratia amounts issued by the railway ministry are Rs. 10 lakh for the surviving family members of the deceased, Rs. 2 lakh for those who were seriously hurt, and Rs. 50,000 for those who had suffered minor wounds.
The Odisha government has also issued an emergency contact number — 06782-262286.
