train disaster leaves at least 120 dead and 850 injured

The tragedy is one of the worst train accidents of the last ten years in the world. At least 120 people were killed and 850 were injured in a train disaster involving several trains in the state of Odisha (India) on Friday June 2. A passenger train, the Coromandel Express, and a freight convoy collided near Balasore, about 200 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, capital of the state of Odisha (east). A second passenger train was also involved in the tragedy, according to senior state official Pradeep Jena.

“We expect the rescue operations to continue at least until tomorrow morning. On our side, we have prepared all the major public and private hospitals, from the accident site to the state capital, in order to take care of the wounded”, said a spokesman for state authorities. He added that “75 ambulances” had already been dispatched to the scene, and that “many cars” had also been sent to transport both injured passengers and survivors. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “afflicted” by the accident. The Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, meanwhile assured that he was going to the scene of the disaster.