Coromandel Express derails in Odisha’s Balasore, 50 feared dead, video of accident viral

Coromandel Express train derailed on Friday in Odisha's Balasore district and at least 50 people are feared to be dead while 179 people were reported to be injured in the accident. The administration has launched a search and rescue operation after the derailment of the Coromandel Express. After the derailment, the Coromandel Express fell on the opposite tracks and a goods train rammed into it, increasing the severity of the accident. 

CPRO Southern Railway informed that several coaches are reported to have derailed.

The Special Relief Commissioner Office said that the Collector of Balasore is directed to reach the spot of the accident where the Coromandel Express train derailed and collided with a goods train and make all necessary arrangements.

The videos of the accident are shared on social media with search and rescue operations underway.

The officials said that the administration has mobilized 3 NDRF units, 4 ODRAF units and 60 ambulances. The government has provided several helpline numbers -- 033-26382217, 8972073925, 67822 62286, 9332392339.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed Revenue Minister Pramila Swain and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu to reach the spot of the accident and coordinate with the search and rescue teams.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that they are coordinating with the Odisha government and is also sending 5- 6 members team to the spot to assist with the rescue operations of the Odisha government. 

“Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromondel express, carrying passengers from West Bengal, collided with a goods train near Balasore today evening and some of our outbound people have been seriously affected/ injured. We are coordinating with Odisha government and South Eastern Railways for our people's sake. Our emergency control room has been activated at once with numbers 033- 22143526/ 22535185. All out efforts for rescue, retrieval, aid and assistance initiated,” West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said. 

"We are sending a 5- 6 members team to the spot to cooperate with the Odisha government and railway authorities and to assist rescue operations. I am monitoring the situation continually personally with Chief Secretary and other senior officers," she added.