Deadly train crash in India, more than 200 people dead

Nepal Views

Kathmandu: At least 233 people are feared dead and more than 900 injured in the horrific train crash in Indian state of Odisha.

The accident happened near Bahanaga Baazar in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkota. Coromandel Express derailed around 7 pm on Friday and fell on an adjacent track in the path of another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah

Several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, on the way to Howrah, derailed and fell on adjacent tracks, an official said.

Prime minister Narendra Narendra Modi has expressed grief on the accident. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik have rushed to the accident site to personally monitor the situation.

A massive rescue operation is underway to retrieve people trapped in the derailed coaches. This is considered one of the deadliest train crashes in India in recent times. Railway Minister Vaishnaw ordered for a high-level probe into the incident and announced an ex tratia payment of Rs 10 lakh in case of death, Rs 2 lakh for the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.

Odisha Chief Minister Patnaik has announced a one-day state mourning due to the accident.