New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi expressed grief over the Coromandal Express train accident and spoke to the railway minister to take all the relief measures. President Murmu said she was “deeply anguished” by the loss of lives in an unfortunate train accident in Odisha and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
At least 50 people died and 350 were injured in a three-way accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Coromandal Express and a goods train on separate tracks in Bahanagar in Odisha’s Balasore district.
“Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured,” Murmu said in a tweet.
The Prime minister said the rescue operations are underway at the site of the accident and all possible assistance is being to those affected by the mishap.
“Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” PM Modi tweeted.
Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rupees 10 lakhs in case of death, Rs 2 lakhs for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.
Vaishnaw also said he is rushing to the accident site in Odisha. “My prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured and condolences to the bereaved families. Rescue teams mobilised from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. NDRF, state government teams and Airforce also mobilised. Will take all hands required for the rescue operation,” he added.
Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express flagging off ceremony cancelled
The ceremony to flag off the inaugural Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express at Madgaon station has been cancelled in the wake of the accident involving three trains in Odisha, Konkan railway officials said on Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was scheduled to flag off the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express through video link on Saturday morning while Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was to remain present at Madgaon station for the ceremony.
But Vaishnaw was now heading for the accident site in Odisha and the ceremony was cancelled, officials said.
(With input from agencies)