Vikash Sharma

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena on Sunday clarified that the official death toll in the tragic Balasore train accident is 275, and not 288 which was claimed earlier.

“As some bodies were counted twice, at the spot and the hospital again, the death toll said then was not correct. Now, after detailed verification and report by the district Collector, the final death toll in the train tragedy is 275,” said Jena.

According to Jena, 78 bodies out of 275 have been identified and handed over to respective families and the process of identification of 10 more bodies has been completed. So far, 170 bodies have been shifted to Bhubaneswar from Balasore and 17 more are being brought to the Capital city.

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“In a dignified manner, we decided to bring two bodies in one ambulance instead of carrying them in other means of transport. Our challenge is now for proper identification of the dead bodies. DNA sampling will be done and photograps of the deceased will be uploaded on three websites- www.osdma.org, www.srcodisha.nic.in and www.bmc.gov.in,” informed Jena.

The Odisha government has also released a toll-free helpline number 1800 345 0061 (for other parts) and 1929 for the local residents to seek any help to trace their loved ones and other assistance.

“We will also facilitate the issuance of death certificates as Chief Minister has directed to ensure that the relatives of those killed in the train accident do not face any problems and do not have to run from one office to the other,” said Jena.

The Chief Secretary further informed that DNA fingerprinting work is on. Already a 13-member central team has reached the state for embalming process with necessary equipment and chemicals.

  • Reported by:
  • HARIHARA CHAND
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