Two express trains derail in Odisha's Balasore, more than 50 feared dead

More than 50 passengers were killed and many more are feared critically injured after two express trains derailed near Balasore's Bahanaga station in Odisha on Friday evening.

As per the information by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Kharagpur, the Shalimar-Howrah Coromandel Express (12841) was derailed at Bahanaga station at around 6:51pm when Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast (12864) train derailed at the same spot at 6:55pm.

Rescue operations launched and the injured are being shifted to Balasore hospital.

Meanwhile the Special Relief Commissioner's office in Odisha stated, "Teams have left for the spot for search and rescue operation. Collector, Balasore has also been directed to reach the spot to make all necessary arrangements and intimate the SRC if any additional help is required from the state level."

The SRC's office released an emergency control room number, 6782262286 for information and help relating to the mishap.

Several teams from the NDRF are on their way to the spot to carry out rescue operations. To supervise it, Odisha Fire Services DG, Sudhanshu Sarangi has reportedly been given the charge. Apart from that Odisha Revenue Minister Pramila mallik and the SRC have been directed to reach the accident spot to ensure a smooth conduct of 

Other helpline numbers:

Horah helpline - 03326382217

Kharagpur helpline - 8972073925, 9332392339 

Balasore helpline - 8249591559, 7978418322 

Shalimar helpline - 9903370746

Following the mishap, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their kin in the mishap. Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "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."

"The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," tweeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took stock of the situation. Speaking to the media Patnaik said, "I have just been reviewing the situation about this truly tragic railway accident. I will be flying there early tomorrow morning."