PM Modi inspects Odisha train accident site, assures injured passengers of all help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the train accident site in Odisha’s Balasore and met the injured passengers who have been hospitalised. At least 261 people were killed and 1,000 injured in the colossal tragedy involving three trains.

“It’s a painful incident. The government will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It’s a serious incident, instructions have been issued for investigations from every angle. Those found guilty will be severely punished,” he said.

The government is standing by with those who lost their family members in the tragedy, he said.

PM Modi landed in an Air Force helicopter near the site of the incident at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district, about 170 km north of Bhubaneswar. He visited the injured at the Balasore District Hospita.

The Prime Minister inspected the site with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all help needed is provided to the injured and their families, said officials.

PM Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don’t face inconvenience and those affected keep getting assistance they require.

The PM visited the hospital after reviewing the situation at the site of the accident.

He is reported to have emphasised on the ‘Whole of Government’ approach to tackle the colossal tragedy, according to government sources.

The three-way accident involved Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and goods train on three separate tracks at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Odisha’s Balasore district. According to Odisha Government’s Special Relief Commissioner’s office 17 coaches of the two trains had derailed and severely damaged.

Earlier today, PM Modi convened a meeting to review the situation in connection with the rail accident..

Seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) Units and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units engaged in rescue operations.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed Mi-17 helicopters for the evacuation of the deceased and injured. According to the Eastern Command, IAF is coordinating the rescue efforts with the civil administration and Indian Railways.

The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earlier visited the site and directed a “high level” probe and said measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not take place in future.