Bhubaneswar, June 2: In a tragic incident, multiple coaches of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express train derailed near Bahanaga railway station in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday evening. Several passengers are currently trapped, and there are fears of casualties.
Initial reports suggest that at least four coaches of the express train derailed at Bahanaga station after colliding with a stationary goods train. While sources indicate the possibility of multiple fatalities, there is no official confirmation yet.
In response to the situation, Satyabrata Sahu, the Odisha Special Relief Commissioner, has instructed the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team stationed in Balasore to immediately proceed to the accident site for search and rescue operations.
Upon receiving the news, the Balasore Collector, the Superintendent of Police, and other officials rushed to the scene to oversee the rescue efforts. Railway officials are already present at the site, and approximately 20 ambulances have been dispatched to transport injured passengers to local hospitals, as reported by officials.
Additionally, two fire teams from Bhadrak have been deployed to assist at the location.
To facilitate communication and assistance, an emergency helpline number, +91 6782 262 286, has been established in Balasore. The Odisha government has directed the Director-General of the fire service to promptly reach the scene and monitor the ongoing rescue operation.
Medical personnel from Balasore Medical College have been mobilized, and currently, ten injured passengers are receiving treatment there, according to officials. All medical colleges and hospitals in and around Balasore have been placed on high alert, with SCB Medical College in Cuttack also prepared for potential admissions.
