Balasore Train Accident: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and Others Express Grief Over The Tragedy

Balasore train tragedy has left the entire nation shocked. The disastrous derailment of the Coromandel Express and its crash with two other trains in Odisha caused more than 230 deaths and left more than 900 people injured. Here's how the nation reacted to the news of the accident.

On June 2, near the Bahanga Bazaar station of Balasore, three trains derailed causing the death of many people. The accident happened at around 6.55 pm on Friday when Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed in Balasore and its coaches fell on the adjacent railway tracks. 5 minutes after the crash, at 7 pm, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express crashed with the former train's derailed coaches. There was a goods train that was parked on the tracks nearby which was hit by the derailed wagons of the two trains, causing a triple train accident. As soon as the authorities were informed of the tragedy, rescue teams were sent to Balasore including teams of doctors from AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

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Balasore Train Accident

The large scale of destruction reminded people of some of the worst train tragedies that happened in India but this one surely caused much more loss. People started posting the news on social media to extend their condolences and share updates about the rescue operation and support required. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter on Friday and wrote, "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 possible assistance is being given to those affected."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted that he was anguished by the accident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and injured. He also asked Congress volunteers and leaders to help in the rescue process. President Draupadi Murmu posted, "Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured." Others who expressed grief about the accident include Amit Shah, Arvind Kejriwal, JP Nadda, and Sambit Patra.

The railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee have visited the accident site while PM is reportedly on his way to Balasore. The rescue operation has reportedly been completed and the restoration is now underway. So far, around 233 deaths have been reported while more than 900 injured people were transferred to medical care. The railway minister has announced monetary support of Rs. 10 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh and Rs 50,000 to people who got major and minor injuries respectively.