Odisha Train Accident: Railway Ministry Issues Emergency Helpline Numbers

Railways on Saturday issued helpline numbers for the assistance of people following the derailment of Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express in Odisha in which 261 people lost their lives.

Following the derailment of Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express in Odisha's Balasore District, the Ministry of Railways on Saturday issued helpline numbers. The emergency helpline numbers have been issued for the people of Howrah, Kharagpur, Balasore, Shalimar, Santragachi, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar and Khurda Road. The death toll in the accident has risen to 261 and the number of injured are more than 600. Meanwhile, rescue operations have come to an end, reported news agency ANI, citing railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma.

"The rescue operation has been completed, now we are starting the restoration work. 261 people have died and more than 600 are injured. Kawach was not available on this route", said Sharma. He also said that over 100 people have claimed ex gratia payments so far.

Sharma further added that several trains have been cancelled and diverted due to the accident. ANI quoted him as saying, "As of now 48 trains cancelled, 39 diverted and 10 short-terminated."

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also took stock of the situation and said that the government's focus is on rescue and relief operations.

"It's a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. The best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about it," said Vaishnaw whihle speaking to the media.

What Went Wrong

The 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express derailed at Bahanaga Bazar between the Balasore and Soro stations at around 7 pm, according to South Eastern Railway officials, reported PTI. Soon after, the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed at the same site.

Some coaches of the Coromandel Express fell on top of a stationary goods train in an adjacent railway track.

The Coromandel Express derailed first and 10-12 of its coaches fell on the line on which the Bengaluru-Howrah Express was travelling, forcing it to jump off the tracks.