A devastating train accident in India’s Odisha state has left at least 288 people dead and hundreds more injured, making it the deadliest rail crash in two decades. The incident took place on Friday evening in Balasore district when the Howrah Superfast Express collided with the Coromandel Express, after one of the trains derailed. The crash, which involved three trains, injured over 800 people, with many remaining in critical condition. Rescue operations continued for more than 24 hours, with thousands of personnel working at the site.
Authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of the collision, though reports suggest the Coromandel Express derailed before the other train collided with it. The Odisha government has launched efforts to identify the victims, with DNA tests expected for those who remain unidentifiable. Hundreds of rescue teams, including police, fire services, and military personnel, were deployed to the scene.
This tragedy is the latest in a series of rail accidents in India, where outdated infrastructure and human error are often blamed for mishaps. Despite recent improvements in safety measures, accidents continue to occur, raising concerns over railway safety in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the crash site, offering condolences and ensuring accountability. Opposition leaders have criticized the government and called for the resignation of the Railway Minister.