Focus on rescue operation, probe ordered: Union Railways Minister on Odisha train tragedy

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday visited Odisha's Balasore which witnessed a major train mishap on Friday evening. As per official sources, 233 people have lost their lives while around 900 others have been injured in the mishap.

"It is a tragic accident. Our prayers are with the families of those who lost their loved ones. NDRF, SDRF and other agencies are engaged in rescue operations. Complete mobilisation has been made from different parts so that maximum effort is put into the rescue operation," said Vaishnaw.

The Union Railways Minister assured best treatment will be provided to those injured in the train mishap in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar or Kolkata.

"Indian Railways has already announced compensation and a high-level committee has been constituted for an inquiry. The Railway Commissioner has also been asked to conduct an independent inquiry as well. The main objective is to ascertain the root cause of the accident including technical and other aspects," said Vaishnaw.

According to Vaishnaw, the entire focus of the Railways is to carry out necessary rescue operations and appropriate treatment of the injured. The restoration work will start immediately after we get the necessary clearance from the district administration. "We cannot say anything about whether it was a sabotage or any other reason behind this train mishap until the inquiry is over," Vaishnaw added.