The Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express derailed near the Bahanaga Station in Odisha's Balasore on Friday night. Initial reports stated that 132 people were injured who were shifted to Soro CHC, Gopalpur CHC, and Khantapada PHC. However, the number of the injured rose to over 350 as the night progress and at least 50 were confirmed dead in the incident.
A 22-member team of the National Disaster Response Force reached the site while another team from Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) of 32 members was also on its way to the spot, as per an ANI report.
"Nearly 50 ambulances have reported but the injured appear far too many. Large no of buses being mobilised to shift injured to hospital," said Odisha Chief Secretary.
Additional Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Odisha said that Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Odisha along with senior officers Hemant Sharma, Balwant Singh, Arvind Agarwal, DG Fire Services were despatched to the spot to supervise arrangements in train accident at Bahanaga.
Medical colleges and all hospitals in and around Balasore on alert. SCBMC alerted too. 3 NDRF units; 4 ODRAF units and 60 ambulances mobilised, the official added.
Meanwhile Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that her government was coordinating with Odisha government and South Eastern Railways for our people's sake and that she is personally monitoring the situation with Chief Secretary and other senior officers.
Upon receiving the information about the collision, nearby law enforcement and railway personnel arrived on the scene and, in cooperation with the community, are presently engaged in rescue efforts.
"We have rushed 15 ambulances to the spot and started shifting patients to Soro CHC. We expect some to be sent to higher facilities," Addl DMET stated.
South Eastern railways zone has issued helpline numbers at Howrah, Kharagpur, Balasore, and Shalimar.
As per initial reports, the high-speed train was in motion along the primary track. Following the accident, it collided with a stationary freight train positioned on the side track.
"An Express Train met with an accident near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district. Teams have left for the spot for search and rescue operation. Collector, Balasore has also been directed to reach the spot to make all necessary arrangements and intimate the SRC if any additional help is required from the state level," said the Special Relief Commissioner Office, following the accident.