A singalling error has been identified as the main cause that led to the collision of three trains in Odisha's Balasore last month that killed 295 and injured over 1,000 people. The Ministry of Railways released the findings from the Commissioner of Railway Safety's report for the first time detailing the reasons for one of the most tragic train accidents in the country's history. It said that lapses in the signalling circuit alteration carried out at the North Signal Goomty (of the station) and during the execution of the signalling work related to the replacement of the Electric Lifting Barrier led to the rear collision of the trains.
"The rear-collision was due to the lapses in the signalling-circuit-alteration carried out at the North Signal Goomty (of the station) in the past, and during the execution of the signalling work related to replacement of Electric Lifting Barrier for level crossing gate no. 94 at the Station," Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.
The minister added that 295 passengers lost their lives in the accident while 41 deceased have not been identified yet.
"In the unfortunate train accident at Bahanaga Bazar Station (near Balasore) on 2nd June, 295 passengers lost their lives, 176 sustained grievous injuries, 451 suffered simple injuries and 180 received First Aid treatment and left. In the said accident, 41 deceased persons have not yet been identified," Vaishnaw was quoted as saying by ANI.
The minister disclosed the report in response to questions raised by MP Dr John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha.
Earlier this month, at least seven employees of the Indian Railways, including three employees arrested by the CBI, were suspended on the charge of dereliction of duty which led to the deadly accident, a top official said, reported PTI.
The accident, one of the deadliest in India's history, involved the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express from Shalimar, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a stationary goods train. The accident took place near the Bahanaga Bazar railway station on June 2, leaving 293 people dead and more than 1,000 injured.
Speaking to reporters, South Eastern Railway’s General Manager Anil Kumar Mishra said, “Had the officials been alert, the accident could have been avoided.” "The railways have so far suspended seven employees, including three who were arrested by the CBI. According to norms, an employee arrested for 24 hours stands suspended,” Mishra told reporters after visiting the accident site.
The CBI had earlier arrested senior Section Engineer (signal) Arun Kumar Mahanta, Section Engineer Mohammed Amir Khan and Technician Pappu Kumar under Sections 304 and 201 of CrPC, the penal code sections related to culpable homicide.
They have been taken on another four-day remand by the CBI from Wednesday.