Rail Tragedy: People Queue Up In Balasore To Donate Blood As 900 Injured, Netizens Laud 'Spirit Of Odisha'

People in Balasore stood in queues to donate blood to those hospitalised following the Coromondel Express tragedy which left 238 dead and more than 900 injured.

As the death toll in the Coromondel Express tragedy increased and the count of people injured crossed the 900-mark, citizens queued up in Balasore Hospital to donate blood to those hospitalised to save their lives, reported news agency ANI. Meanwhile, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday visited the accident site in Balasore site where three trains collided. He said that a detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry. 

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena while commenting on people coming forth to donate blood said, "People are coming voluntarily to donate blood. I am getting requests from many places so it is a good sign. Since the accident till now, the local people have been providing a lot of assistance to our rescue professionals."

The post shared by ANI is getting a lot of positive reactions as people are applauding this initiative taken by the donors. 

A user named Dr. Ravi Diyora wrote, "This is the reason why India is one of the greatest nations to live. The Culture, Ethics and Helpful Nature of Indians in Blood. Proud for all of you who are waiting in queue to donate their blood..." Another user while praising humanity wrote, "Hat's off to them...when humanity rises that's the light of hope in the darkness..."

Pawan Malhotra wrote, "❤️ Incredibly proud of the people of #Balasore for their selflessness and compassion in the face of tragedy. Seeing the long queues of blood donors after the devastating train accident warms my heart. Your act of donating blood will save lives and bring hope to those in need. 🩸"

As per ANI, the Railways Minister said, "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. Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry."

He thanked the NDRF officials who are actively engaged in the search and rescue operation.

Earlier in the day, Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar visited the injured in the Coromondel Express tragedy at Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital in Balasore. TMC MP Dola Sen also visited the spot and said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee might come to visit the people on Sunday. She added that the CM has sent her officials, doctors, and trauma ambulance from Kharagpur for now.