Odisha train tragedy: CM Naveen thanks local residents for assisting rescue operations

The major train tragedy in Odisha's Balasore on Friday evening has jolted people across the country. So far 238 people have died in the mishap, informed the South Eastern Railway on Saturday.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today took stock of the rescue operations at ground zero and held discussions with senior officials who are supervising the relief and rescue operations. Patnaik also met with the injured passengers undergoing treatment at Balasore district headquarters hospital.

"It is an extremely tragic train accident. I thank local people and local teams who have worked overnight to save people from the wreckage. Railway safety should always be given first preference," said Patnaik.

According to Patnaik, the injured passengers have been shifted to Cuttack and other places for advanced treatment so that they recover at the earliest. Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also visited the spot in Odisha which is said to be one of the major train mishaps in the state and country in the recent past.

"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.

According to Vaishnaw, a high-level committee has been constituted for an inquiry into the train mishap. The Railway Commissioner has also been asked to conduct an independent inquiry. The main objective is to ascertain the root cause of the accident including technical and other aspects.