Odisha Train Tragedy: At least 275 people were killed and about 900 injured in the horrific triple-train crash in Odisha, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train.
Till now 1,175 patients were admitted to private hospitals out of which 793 patients have been discharged. 382 patients continue to be in hospital among which 2 are critical, rest all are stable, said Odisha Health Department
The accident took place near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday. A goods train was also involved in the accident as some of the coaches of the Coromandel Express, which was heading to Chennai, hit its wagons after getting derailed.
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Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: US Secretary of State Blinken speaks to EAM Jaishankar
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dialled Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of lives due to the train accident in Odisha. "Thank @SecBlinken for the phone call expressing his support and sympathy on the Odisha railway accident. Such sentiments are deeply valued at this difficult time (sic)," Jaishankar tweeted.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: No passenger from Tamil Nadu lost their lives, all are safe: Minister
“We inspected the hospital where people are getting treatment after train accident. We got to know that no Tamilians were admitted at the hospital. None of the Tamil Nadu passengers lost their lives there as of now, all are safe,” said Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
“Twenty eight out of the 127 people who had booked to travel by train were Tamils. Out of which 21 were found to be fine. The rest are doing fine too, people who are with them have confirmed. This accident should not have happened, the Union Government should find out what caused this damage and take appropriate action,” he added.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: 260 currently undergoing treatment in Odisha hospitals
Altogether 260 people, who were injured in the triple train accident in Balasore, are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals across Odisha, while around 900 have been discharged so far, health department officials were reported as saying by news agency PTI.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: 123 trains cancelled, 56 diverted
The railways has cancelled 123 trains, diverted 56, short-terminated 10 and rescheduled 14 trains due to the accident in Odisha in which 275 people were killed. These trains include those with journey commencing from June 3 to June 7. More details here
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Possible sabotage being probed; minister says people behind 'criminal' act identified
The railways on Sunday virtually ruled out driver error and system malfunction, indicating a possible "signalling interference" and hinting at "sabotage" and tampering of the electronic interlocking system behind the triple train accident that claimed over 270 lives in Odisha.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the "root cause" of the accident and the people responsible for the “criminal act” have been identified.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Stop politicising Balasore train accident: BJP to Oppn
The BJP on Sunday asked opposition parties to not politicise the Balasore train accident and said the track record of the Congress-led UPA government's railway ministers was nothing short of a disaster.
The Congress has demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he should accept part of the responsibility for creating an all is well facade even as the critical infrastructure of the Indian Railways "languishes in neglect".
Hitting back, Malviya said, "Stop politicising the unfortunate Balasore tragedy because track record of railway ministers, under the UPA, to put it mildly, was nothing short of disaster. Let us focus on relief and rescue operation and putting life and rail back on track, at the earliest."
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Not running away from accountability: Anurag Thakur
Who is running away from accountability? Our Union Ministers were present at the accident spot and doing their duties. Rahul Gandhi goes abroad and defames India. Who’s organising your programmes in the United States? For them (Congress), family is everything, the country is nothing, says Union Minister Anurag Thakur
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Ticketless travellers to receive compensation too
-- The railways on Sunday said that even ticketless travellers on board the passenger trains involved in the Odisha accident will receive compensation.
-- This is in line with a Supreme Court order, officials said.
-- "Irrespective of the passengers being ticketless (or not), they will receive compensation," railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma said.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: We want the truth to come out, says Bengal CM
“Yesterday, when he (Railway Minister) was present with me and I mentioned the anti-collision device, why didn't he open his mouth? 'Dal mein kuch kaala hai', we want the truth to come out,” says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Blinken dials EAM to extend sympathy
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over the telephone expressing his support and sympathy for the Odisha railway accident.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Railway Board recommends CBI probe, says Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Board has recommended a CBI probe into the Odisha train accident, Union Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on June 4.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Odisha train accident: When 'fail-safe' Failed
Several theories are doing the round. It is tough to put a hand on the cause of the disaster as it involved four pairs of tracks (2 main lines, 2 loop lines) and 3/4 trains — two of them superfast travelling at the speed of 128 /126 kmph, as per railway board press conference, and 1/2 stationery goods trains on loop lines — that collided within minutes (an internal railways report puts the time of collisions from 6.52-6.55 pm). Read full storyhere
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Restoration work underway at accident site
Restoration work is underway at the site of the three-train accident in Odisha’s Balasore.
Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Track linking of Up-line has been done at 1645 hrs. Overhead electrification work started.”
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Adani to help chidren who lost their parents in crash
Adani Group vows to pay for the education of children who have lost their parents in the Odishatrain tragedy
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates:
Bengal CM questions death figures, says 61 dead, 182 missing from Bengal
West Bengal Chief Ministet Mamata Banerjee questions death figures in Balasore train crash, says 61 persons dead, 182 missing from Bengal only.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Free Bus travel to Kolkata for stranded passengers from Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
-In the view of the triple train tragedy in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced free bus service from Kolkata to Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
-The entire cost will be borne from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and arrangement will continue fot the next 48 hours.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Railways deputes senior officials to attend 139 phone calls 24x7
-- The Indian Railways has made special arrangements at 139 helpline number to facilitate family/ friends/ relatives of deceased persons and passengers stranded in the tragic accident in Odisha.
-- A team of senior officers is manning the helpline 24X7 and will provide all the relevant details to the callers after coordinating with the Zonal Railways and State Government.
-- “The aim of the Railway Helpline 139 is to provide a helping hand, to give correct and satisfactory information to the aggrieved passengers and their kin in this trying time,” the Indian Railways said.
-- “This service will continue uninterrupted and will ensure prompt disbursal of enhanced ex-gratia announced by Minister of Railways: Rs.10 Lakh in case of death; Rs 2 Lakh towards grievous injuries and Rs.50,000 for minor injuries,” it added.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Rahul Gandhi demands Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's resignation
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on June 4 sought the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in connection with the Odisha train accident that claimed 288 lives. He tweeted: “No accountability even after 270+ deaths! The Modi government cannot run away from taking responsibility for such a painful accident. The Prime Minister should immediately seek the resignation of the Railway Minister!”
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Union ministers visit victims of train crash in hospital
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visit Srirama Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital to interact with victims of the Balasore train crash.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Railways helpline number 139 receiving queries seeking info on victims of crash, says official
“Indian Railways call centre for its helpline number '139' helps people seeking information about their kin. After the accident, we received queries from people wanting information about their relatives and also the ex-gratia amount. Railway officers deputed at this centre are responsible to provide accurate information to the caller by coordinating with local authorities,” said Seema Kumar, CMD, IRCTC
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Special train carrying distressed passengers departs from Bhadrak
“A special train has started its journey from Bhadrak to Bhubaneswar carrying the distressed passengers of the Odisha train accident. The train is only for distressed passengers...From Bhubaneswar the passengers will have to change the train,” Station Manager Subhash Chandra Sahu said.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Coromandel Express driver gets virtual clean chit as officials say train wasn’t speeding
The railways on June 4 said the Coromandel Express was "not speeding" and received the green signal to enter a loop line on which a goods train was stationary, virtually clearing its driver of any role behind the accident that killed 288 people in Odisha's Balasore district.
Two key officials of the Railway Board -- Principal Executive Director of Signalling Sandeep Mathur and Member of Operation and Business Development Jaya Varma Sinha – said that the functioning of the interlocking system, prima facie seemed to have been part of the problem that led to the accident.
"Green signal means that in every way the driver knows that his path ahead is clear and he can go forward with his permitted maximum speed. The permitted speed at this section was 130 kmph and he was running his train at 128 kmph which we have confirmed from loco logs," Sinha said.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Unclaimed dead bodies create space problems in morgues
Odisha is facing a morgue crunch as a large number of unclaimed dead bodies from Balasore's triple train accident, have piled up at its mortuaries. Unable to cope with the large numbers, the Odisha government has shifted 187 of them to Bhubaneswar from Balasore, a district headquarters town.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Andhra Pradesh to pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the officials to pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 5 lakhs each to those seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh each to those who sustained minor injuries, in addition to the financial help extended by the Centre: CMO
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Andhra Pradesh to pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased
Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directed the officials to pay ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakhs each to the kin of the deceased, Rs 5 lakhs each to those seriously injured and Rs 1 lakh each to those who sustained minor injuries, in addition to the financial help extended by the Centre: CMO
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil speaks on the inter-locking system maintenance
“On Feb 9, a senior Railway official wrote in a report that there is need to maintain the inter-locking system of signals but the government didn't take cognisance of the report,” claims Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: We are making sure that the evidence does not get tampered, says Railway Board
Safety is the top priority for Railways. We are making sure that the evidence does not get tampered & that any witness does not get affected. The driver of the train who sustained serious injuries said that the train moved forward only after it received a 'Green' signal. Neither did he jump any signal nor the train was overspeeding: Jaya Varma Sinha, Member of Operation and Business Development, Railway Board.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Action should be taken against those responsible, says Bihar Deputy CM
It's a big accident. This has happened due to negligence. Railways claim that safety is their priority but even after such a major accident, responsibility has not been fixed yet. Action should be taken against those responsible: Bihar Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Free bus service to Kolkata from Puri, Bhubaneswar & Cuttack
In view of disruption of train services caused by Bahanaga train tragedy, CM Naveen Patnaik has announced free bus service to Kolkata from Puri, Bhubaneswar & Cuttack. The entire cost will be borne from Chief Minister's Relief Fund & arrangement will continue till restoration of normal train services in Baleswar route.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Railway Board at assistance
Our helpline number 139 is available. This is not a call centre number, our senior officers are answering the calls and we are trying to connect as many people as possible. The family members of the injured or deceased can call us and we will make sure that they are able to meet them. We will take care of their journey and other expenses: Jaya Varma Sinha, Member of Operation and Business Development, Railway Board.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Inquiry is underway, we are investigating all angles, says Railway Board
With restoration work underway, at least two railway lines are expected to be operational by 8pm today at the site. We expect that trains will start running at a low speed. Inquiry is underway, we are investigating all angles. Prima facie it appears to be an issue of signalling, but we cannot authenticate anything as of now: Jaya Varma Sinha, Member of Operation and Business Development, Railway Board.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Track restoration work is underway: Railways Minister
We met the patients at Bhadrak Hospital. Almost all patients are in contact with their families. Doctors and staff are providing proper treatment to the injured. Track restoration work is underway: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Restoration update
"Down mail line has been restored at 12:05 hrs today," tweets Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: The country needs to come together: Union Minister Anurag Thakur
We are investigating the cause of the incident, currently our focus is to provide the best possible treatment to the injured. Several people have lost their lives and I think the politicisation of such issues should not be done. The country needs to come together: Union Minister Anurag Thakur
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Will find out the cause once commission of rail safety completes its inquiry
Odisha triple train tragedy: “We will find out (about the cause of accident) once the commission of rail safety, an independent organisation, completes its inquiry,” says Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: A Public interest litigation has been filed in SC regarding Odisha train tragedy
A Public interest litigation has been filed in SC regarding Odisha train tragedy. It seeks
1) Appointment of Expert commission headed by a retd SC judge and consisting of technical members to analyze and review the current risk and safety parameters in the railway system and to suggest Systematic Safety modifications for strengthening Railway safety mechanism and submit a report to SC
2) Issue of guidelines/directions for the implementation of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System called KAVACH Protection System in Indian Railways with immediate effect to ensure public safety.
3) issue directions to government to set up an Enquiry Commission headed by a retired SC judge and probe into Odisha train accident. Complete the probe in two months and submit a report to SC.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Getting work done as per PM's instructions: Railways Minister
PM Modi visited the accident site and met patients at Baleswar District Hospital yesterday and has given instructions according to which the work is being done. Restoration work is underway. Out of the two main lines, track laying work has been done on one of them and is underway on the other: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong expresses condolences
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has written to PM Narendra Modi to express condolences on the Odisha train derailment: Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore to India.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Will take strict action against the persons responsible for this: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
It is our responsibility to establish normalcy as early as possible. Restoration work is underway. Indian Railways is running free trains and logistic facilities are also being provided. The death toll has crossed 270. The inquiry for the cause is underway. We will take strict action against the persons responsible for this: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: PM thanks Odisha government for the prompt and efficient action
The Prime Minister thanked the Chief Minister, Odisha government for the prompt and efficient action during the crisis. The centre is ready to provide any kind of assistance if required, he said. He also praised the people of Odisha for the kind of support and timely help in this hour of crisis.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: CM speaks to PM over phone; briefs him on latest situation
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today over phone and briefed him about the latest situation, particularly on the treatment of the rail accident victims. Patnaik assured that all possible steps are being taken to save the lives of injured passengers in different hospitals of Odisha.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Teams have worked all night to identify the deceased and restore tracks, says Dharmendra Pradhan
NDRF, ODRF and Railway teams have worked all night to identify the deceased and restoretracks. Union Health Minister has reached Odisha, he will visit hospitals and take stock of the situation. Many trains have been cancelled and diverted. We are working on restoring the tracks: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Odisha Triple Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Accident happened due to a change in electronic interlocking, says Railways Minister
The commissioner of railway safety has investigated the matter and let the investigation report come but we have identified the cause of the incident and the people responsible for it... It happened due to a change in electronic interlocking. Right now our focus is on restoration: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Odisha Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Will settle claims expeditiously, says LIC
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced relaxations to ease the way for settlement process for the kin of the victims in the Balasore train accident. Claimants of LIC policies and the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana will be allowed to submit a list of asualties published by the Railways, police or any state or Central authorities in lieu of registered death certificates as proof of death.
LIC has also set up a special help-desk at branch and divisional levels to address queries and provide assistance. The number is: 022-68276827.
"All efforts will be taken to ensure that the claimants are reached out and claims are settled expeditiously to the affected families," the statement said.
Odisha Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: PM Modi took stock of situation at Odisha train crash site
Prime Minister Narendra Modion June 3 visited the site where three trains crashed leading to the death of at least 261 people and leaving close to 1,000 others injured. Modi was accompanied by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, both of whom belong from Odisha.
"It is a serious incident, and instructions have been issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently," Prime Minister Modi told reporters, after meeting the injured victims at the hospital.
Odisha Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: Railways Minister Vaishnaw, WB CM Mamata disagree on deaths in public
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited Balasore in neighbouring Odisha to take stock of the situation, told reporters that the death toll could climb to as high as 500. To the statement, nearby standing Railway Minister AshwiniVaishnaw, reiterated that the official data has the death toll at 238.
“I heard it can go up to 500," Banerjee said, which prompted Vaishnaw to tell her that "it is 238 as per the state government's data". The West Bengal CM, however, reverted by saying that the toll was 238 earlier, and it is now feared to go higher.
Odisha Train Tragedy LIVE Updates: LIC eases claim process norms for victims
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty on June 3 announced that it has relaxed the claim settlement process for victims and kin of those affected by theBalasore train tragedy. In a late evening statement, LIC announced a slew of relaxations to the claim settlement process for the kin of the victims.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Balasore, Odisha on Friday. LIC is committed to supporting those affected and will expedite claim settlements to provide financial relief,"Mohanty was quoted as saying in astatement.
