Odisha train tragedy: Restoration work in full swing, identification of bodies underway

The death toll in the major train mishap involving three trains in Odisha’s Balasore has now climbed to 288, the state government officials said on Sunday.

Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said that the restoration work is being undertaken on a war footing by the Indian Railways at the accident site.

As per Railway officials, all the 21 coaches which capsized due to the derailment of trains at Bahanaga Bazar Station have been grounded.

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“Now the site is being cleared. Further, 3 wagons and locomotive upper part will be grounded,” an official statement read.

According to the Odisha Chief Secretary, the entire rescue operation has been completed and the track restoration work is likely to complete by tonight.

“At present, 300 injured are undergoing treatment at various hospitals and their condition is said to be stable,” said Jena.

Jena further said that already the process to bring 160 bodies to Bhubaneswar is underway. The state government is now focusing on identification of the deceased. As the relatives of the deceased passengers from different parts of the country are likely to reach the state today, efforts are on to coordinate with them.

“As per norms, the bodies will be disposed of after necessary medico-legal process and collection of DNA samples as per procedure after 48 hours,” Jena added.

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