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State On Rescue Operation

Bhubaneswar: while more than 50 passengers died and another 350 people have been injured in the major train accident, State Government has taken up steps on fast track mode for rescue operations.

Minister Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ex-gratia compensation of Rs.10 Lakh for the  next of the kin of the deceased. Rs.2 Lakh for grievous injury and Rs.50,000 for minor injuries.

Shalimar Express -Chennai Coromandel express train met a major accident near Bahanaga railway station near Soro area in Balasore district on Friday evening.

Soon after the mishap, the entire State Administration came into action. On the direction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Revenue Minister Pramila Mallik and Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu preceded towards the accident spot.  

Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena briefed Media about the immediate action taken by the State Administration.

According to officials, at least 300 passengers have been evacuated, out of which around 179 people have been hospitalized. Another 600 to 700 people are still trapped, the officials said.  

According to sources several coaches of the superfast express train derailed at Bahanaga station and ramps into a goods train standard at the station. Several people feared dead and bodies lying across the station. It is stated to be the biggest train mishap in Odisha.   

Earlier, on the direction of the SRC Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team at Balasore reached the spot for search and rescue immediately. The NDRF team also joined in the rescue operation.

After receiving information, Balasore Collector, SP and other officials too rushed to spot to supervise the rescue operation. Railway officials are now there on the spot. About 30 ambulances have been sent to the accident spot to transport the passengers to local hospitals, officials said.

Two fire teams were sent from Bhadrak to the spot. An emergency helpline No +91 6782 262 286 has been opened at Balasore. The Odisha government has directed the fire service DG to rush to the spot and monitor the rescue operation.

The doctors were sent from Balasore Medical College. So far, 47 injured passengers at Balasore Medical College, officials said.

SRC Odisha along with senior officers Hemant Sharma, Balwant Singh, Arvind Agarwal, DG Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi dispatched to the spot to supervise arrangements in train accident at Bahanaga, an official said.

Medical college and all hospitals in and around Balasore kept on alert. SCB Medical College, Cuttack has also been put on readiness.