At least 50 killed, 300 injured as in 3-train collision in Odisha

Colombo (News 1st) - At least 50 people were killed and more than 300 injured when three trains collided in the Indian state of Odisha, including two passenger express trains, Indian media reported.

The Coromandel Express passenger train bound for Chennai from Kolkata slammed into a derailed goods train. Derailed carriages of the Coromandel Express which had fallen on to another track were then hit by the Yashwantpur-Howrah Superfast Train, Indian media reported.

Rescue workers were toiling amid the wreckage in the darkness to find survivors and more than 60 ambulances ferried the injured to hospitals. The accident took place at 7.20 pm near Bahanaga Bazar station when the train was on the way to Chennai Central Station from the Shalimar station near Kolkata.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his grief over the loss of lives: “Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected”.

Indian President Droupadi Murmu tweeted: “Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured”.

"Anguished by the tragic news of the accident involving the Coromandel Express, in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge Congress workers & leaders to extend all support needed for rescue efforts," tweeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.