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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reached the triple train accident spot at Bahanaga in Balasore district to take stock of the situation, said that anyone responsible for the mishap will not be spared.
The statement from the PM came after he went to Balasore hospital and met the accident victims.
“The government is with the families of the deceased. We have taken the matter seriously and all possible investigations have been ordered. Anyone responsible for the mishap will not be spared,” PM Modi said.
"It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. Railways is working toward track restoration,” PM Modi added.
PM Modi also lauded the efforts of locals in the rescue operation.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the locals for their efforts in the rescue operation. From donating blood for the accident victims to contributing in the rescue work, they have extended all possible help. Without their help, the rescue operation could not have been expedited,” Modi added.
Earlier, Modi went to the site of the accident that claimed at least 288 lives besides leaving over 900 injured, and took stock of the situation.
According to government officials, Modi reviewed the relief works that are underway at the site of the mishap.
He also interacted with the local authorities, personnel from the disaster relief forces, and railway officials.
The Prime Minister emphasised on a 'Whole of Government' approach to mitigate the monumental tragedy. Modi also spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and the Union Health Minister from the site and asked them to ensure that all kinds of help is provided to the injured and their families.
The Prime Minister said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don't face inconvenience and those affected keep getting all the assistance they need.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who reached Balasore earlier in the day, briefed the Prime Minister about the accident and also about the rescue and relief operations.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was also present at the accident site.
About 16 hours after the accident, which involved two Express trains -- Coromandel and SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express -- and a goods train, the rescue operation was announced to be complete on Saturday afternoon by the Railways, following which restoration work commenced.
The Chennai-bound Coromandel Express and the Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express trains met with an accident on Friday evening as 21 coaches of the two trains derailed near Bahanaga Bazar railway station in Balasore district.
Friday's accident brought back the horrific memories of another deadly train accident in UP's Firozabad in 1995, in which 358 people died.
In a similar accident on August 2, 1999, the Brahmaputra Mail collided with the Awadh-Assam Express near Gaisal in Assam, which claimed the lives of approximately 290 people.
