Odisha train tragedy: CBI seizes mobile phones of railway staff, likely to question loco pilot

As part of its investigation into the triple train accident at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore which claimed 288 lives, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday seized the mobile phones of some railway staff, who were on duty, on the fateful day.

According to sources, the central probe agency is likely to examine the call records, WhatsApp calls and social media usage of the staff during its investigation.

Besides, the CBI is also likely to question the loco pilot who is undergoing treatment at a Bhubaneswar hospital, sources informed.

The probing agency along with forensic and technical teams visited Bahanaga Bazar railway station today and returned from the station after 45 minutes.

The CBI, which has been entrusted with the probe of the tragic mishap by the Railway Board, started its investigation on Tuesday. 
A 10-member CBI team along with some Central Forensic members reached the spot and visited the main line and loop line to carry out the investigation. Some members of the team also visited the signal room and held discussions with the officials there.

Notably, 288 people were killed in the triple train accident involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, which were carrying over 2,500 passengers, and a goods train laden with iron on Friday evening at Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore.

As many as 21 coaches were derailed and severely damaged in the accident, trapping hundreds of passengers.