Coromandel Express collides with goods train in Balasore, 25 dead, several others injured

Bhubaneswar: In a devastating incident on Friday evening, the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express (12841) collided with a stationary goods train at Panapana near Bahanaga station in Balasore district, Odisha. Regrettably, at least 25 passengers are feared dead, and numerous others have sustained injuries.

The collision occurred around 7 pm, prompting railway personnel and security forces to swiftly respond and initiate a rescue operation at the scene. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Pattnaik instructed Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallick to promptly arrive at the site accompanied by senior officials.

To bolster the rescue efforts, the Special Relief Commissioner in Odisha has mobilized the ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) and dispatched a team to Balasore. Additionally, the Balasore district Collector has been instructed to personally oversee the situation and make all necessary arrangements. Any requirement for further assistance will be communicated to the Special Relief Commissioner.

Furthermore, a team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to the site, as confirmed by a reliable source. The collaborative efforts of these rescue teams aim to mitigate the impact of this tragic accident and provide aid to those affected.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has expressed shock and grief on the tragic accident and has sent a team to assist Odisha government and railway authorities.

“Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromondel express,  carrying passengers from West Bengal,  collided with a goods train near Balasore today evening and  some of our outbound  people have been seriously affected/ injured. We are coordinating with Odisha government and South Eastern Railways for our people’s sake. Our emergency control room has been activated at once with numbers 033- 22143526/ 22535185. All out efforts for rescue, retrieval, aid and assistance initiated.

We are sending a 5- 6 members team to the spot to cooperate with the Odisha government and railway authorities and to assist rescue operations. I am monitoring the situation continually personally with Chief Secretary and other senior officers” she twitted.