Odisha Train Crash (2 June, 2023 )

In a horrifying incident that unfolded on a fateful evening, India's eastern state of Odisha witnessed one of the deadliest train accidents in the nation's history. At least 238 lives were tragically cut short, with another 650 individuals sustaining injuries as three trains collided in a catastrophic event. As rescue efforts continue and the nation mourns, questions arise about the cause of this devastating incident that has shaken the country.

Provided by NDTV news

The Fatal Collision:

On Friday evening, chaos erupted when a passenger train derailed, causing its coaches to topple onto an adjacent track where an incoming train was approaching. Adding to the calamity, a freight train happened to be stationary on the same track. Tragically, the collision between the derailed coaches and the second train claimed numerous lives and left several people trapped in the wreckage. The magnitude of the impact was so severe that the overturned carriages were struck by a third train, exacerbating the destruction.

Rescue Operations and Mourning:

Rescue teams comprising over 200 ambulances, doctors, nurses, and emergency personnel were immediately dispatched to the accident site. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) worked tirelessly to extricate survivors from the mangled wreckage, carefully navigating the treacherous conditions to minimize harm to those still alive. Unfortunately, the death toll is expected to rise as the search and rescue efforts continue.

Eyewitnesses have recounted the horror and agony they experienced during the crash, describing scenes of chaos and devastation. Survivors spoke of the weight of fellow passengers falling upon them, causing injuries and disarray. The injured, many with severed limbs and distorted faces, were rushed to hospitals, where they await treatment and support.

India's Rail Safety Challenges:

India boasts one of the world's largest railway networks, with millions of people relying on it for daily transportation. However, this tragic incident highlights the urgent need to address the country's railway infrastructure and safety measures. Overcrowding, insufficient maintenance, and outdated systems continue to pose significant challenges, putting passengers at risk.

Previous Train Accidents in India:

June 1981: Nearly 800 people died when seven of the nine coaches of an overcrowded train fell into a river during a cyclone in Bihar state.

August 1995: At least 350 people were killed when two trains collided 200km (125 miles) from Delhi.

August 1999: At least 285 people lost their lives in a collision between two trains near Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).

October 2005: A train derailment in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh resulted in the death of 77 people.

November 2016: Nearly 150 people were killed, and an equal number were injured when 14 carriages of the Indore-Patna Express train derailed near the city of Kanpur.

Notable Rescue Efforts:

- Residents of neighboring villages were among the first responders, rushing to the accident site and initiating rescue operations.

- Surviving passengers displayed acts of bravery and selflessness, assisting in the rescue of those trapped in the wreckage.

How many people died in accident?

At least 261 people have been killed and 1,000 are injured in a crash involving three trains in India's eastern Odisha state. (Data provided by BBC news)

Why train collided in Odisha?

Odisha train accident: Joint inspection report confirms signaling failure. The joint inspection report on the tragic Balasore train accident indicated that the accident was caused due to signal failure.