Rescue operation completed after devastating train accident in eastern India
by Utsav RoyLocation Balasore, Odisha, India. Date: 2023-06-02
The operation to rescue the victims of the devastating train accident in eastern India’s Odisha was completed.
The accident sent shockwaves throughout the nation as the three trains were involved in the horrific accident in Bahanaga Bazar in Balasore district on June 2.
Visuals showed the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) officials at work as they rescued the victims trapped in the coaches of the trains. They cut through the coaches on some occasions to take out the passengers. The officials also climbed on top of these broken coaches to save the victims who were stranded.
According to a report, the rescue operation has been completed, as informed by Amitabh Sharma, the Railway Spokesperson. However, Narendra Singh, IG Operation of NDRF, said, “Operation is still continuing. So far the state govt has announced 238 dead and more than 900 injured. Hopefully, by today evening, we should be able to close the operation. NDRF has nine teams there – seven from Odisha and two from West Bengal. Almost all the live victims have been sent to hospital so nine teams are sufficient.” The injured have been sent to nearby hospitals for treatment.
This shocking train accident has left 900 people injured and 288 dead. It was also learnt that huge cranes and bulldozers were used to raise these shattered coaches to save the victims. Apart from the NDRF, several policemen, doctors and ambulances were also present at the spot of this accident along with fire officials. The Indian Air Force (IAF) also positioned 17 helicopters for relief and rescue.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that a ‘high-level enquiry’ would be done to ascertain the cause of this devastating accident. He also announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims. The kins of the deceased would receive Rs 10 lakh (USD 12135.80) for the deceased. Rs 2 lakh ($2427.16) would be given to those seriously injured. Those who sustained minor injuries would receive Rs 50,000 (USD 606.78) as compensation.
