At least 350 people were injured when the Coromandel Express derailed and collided with a freight train near Bahanaga station in Odisha’s Balasore district. According to reports, at least 50 people were killed in the accident and many more may be injured. The government have started a search and rescue operation.
According to Southern Railway CPRO, several coaches have derailed. Officials said the incident took place around 7:20 pm near Bahanaga Bazar railway station on the train’s route from Shalimar railway station near Kolkata to Chennai Central railway station.
The state government has mobilized Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) to help in rescue operations.
A video of the Coromandel Express train crash has been shared on social media. Some videos show bodies falling as authorities and locals rush to search and rescue train passengers.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnik has directed state minister Pramila Malik and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) to attend the site immediately.
The Special Relief Commissioner’s Office said: Balasore Collectors have been ordered to attend the site of the incident where the Coromandel Express derailed and collided with a supply train and make all necessary arrangements.