One of the Deadliest Rail Disasters in India: Over 280 Killed and 900 Injured in a Train Crash

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In a devastating rail accident in eastern India, two passenger trains derailed, resulting in the tragic loss of over 280 lives and leaving hundreds injured. This incident stands as one of the deadliest rail disasters the country has experienced in decades. Rescuers tirelessly worked amidst the wreckage to search for survivors but found none, as the overturned and mangled trains presented a harrowing sight.

The derailment occurred on Friday night, approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) southwest of Kolkata, leading to scenes of chaos and urgency. Rescuers climbed atop the wrecked trains, using cutting torches to break open doors and windows in their desperate attempt to reach trapped passengers. Throughout the night, the death toll steadily rose, and scores of bodies, covered by white sheets, were laid on the ground near the tracks.

Amidst the oppressive heat, with temperatures soaring up to 35 degrees Celsius (96 degrees Fahrenheit), bodies remained entangled in the badly mangled coaches, making the rescue operation even more challenging. The efforts involved not only local responders but also army soldiers and air force helicopters, all striving to save lives and provide relief.

Sudhanshu Sarangi, the director of Odisha state’s fire and emergency department, expressed the tragic nature of the incident, stating that he had never witnessed anything like it in his career. Overnight and into Saturday morning, around 280 bodies were recovered, while approximately 900 individuals were reported injured. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

The timing of this tragedy coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s focus on modernizing India’s railway network, which dates back to the British colonial era. Despite efforts by the government to enhance rail safety, hundreds of accidents occur on India’s extensive railway system each year. As the world’s most populous country, with a population of 1.42 billion, India possesses the largest train network managed under a single entity.

Prime Minister Modi personally visited the crash site, spending time examining the relief efforts and engaging with rescue officials. Expressing his sorrow, he assured the affected individuals and their families that the government would do everything possible to assist them and hold those responsible accountable. Modi’s scheduled inauguration of a high-speed train connecting Goa and Mumbai, equipped with a collision avoidance system, was canceled following the accident, as the derailed trains lacked such safety measures.

Amitabh Sharma, a spokesperson for the Railroad Ministry, stated that the rescue work was nearing completion. Rail authorities would soon initiate the process of removing the wreckage to repair the track and resume train operations. Meanwhile, approximately 200 severely injured individuals were transferred to specialized hospitals in other cities, while another 200 were discharged after receiving medical care. The remaining injured individuals continued to receive treatment in local hospitals, where numerous people arrived to donate blood.

The identification of bodies emerged as a challenge in the aftermath of the accident. Relatives providing evidence could claim bodies after autopsies, but for unidentified victims, DNA tests and additional protocols might be necessary, as mentioned by P.K. Jena, the state’s top administrative official.

The incident involved the derailment of ten to twelve coaches from one train, with debris falling onto a nearby track. Subsequently, another passenger train traveling in the opposite direction collided with the debris, causing up to three coaches of the second train to derail. Reports also suggested the involvement of a third train carrying freight, although confirmation from railroad authorities was pending. The rescue operation faced delays due to the impact that pressed two train cars together.

Over 1,200 rescuers, aided by ambulances, buses, and mobile health units, worked tirelessly throughout the night. The state of Odisha declared Saturday as a day of mourning to honor the lives lost. Local villagers rushed to the site upon hearing the loud sound of the train coaches derailing and provided immediate assistance in evacuating people. They not only helped rescue individuals but also retrieved their belongings and provided water.

Survivors shared their terrifying experiences, with one recounting how passengers fell upon each other as their coach violently shook and veered off the tracks. The collision involved the Coromandel Express traveling from Howrah to Chennai and the Howrah Superfast Express traveling from Bengaluru to Howrah. The sequence of derailments remained unclear at the time.

India’s Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, assured the public that a high-level investigation would take place. The political opposition criticized the government, calling for Vaishnaw’s resignation. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by human error and outdated signaling equipment in ensuring railway safety. Despite these risks, more than 12 million people rely on India’s vast rail network, with daily ridership exceeding 14,000 trains on a track spanning 64,000 kilometers (40,000 miles).

[Reporting by Sharma and Pathi in New Delhi; contribution by Chonchui Ngashangva, Big Big News journalist]

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More about train crash India

• India Today – Train Accident in India
• The Times of India – India’s Railway Safety Challenges