Odisha Train Accident: CM Naveen Patnaik terms the accident ‘extremely tragic’, says ‘Railway safety should be..’
1 min read 03 Jun 2023, 12:03 PM ISTOdisha CM Naveen Patnaik called the recent train accident in Balasore district 'extremely tragic' and declared one day of state mourning. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced a high-level inquiry would be conducted, while the Railway Ministry and PM Modi offered compensation for victims.
PremiumOdisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has termed the train accident that occurred in the state's Balasore district as ‘extremely tragic’. CM Patnaik had accompanied railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation at the accident site in Balasore.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the accident site, CM Patnaik said, “I have to thank the local teams, local people & others who have worked overnight to save people from the wreckage"
When asked if railway safety should be given priority over train speed, Patnaik answered that Railways safety should always be given first preference. The Chief Minister also informed that the injured have been admitted to hospitals in Balasore and Cuttack.
Odisha government has declared one day of state mourning on June 3 which means no state celebration will take place on the day. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has also announced one day of state mourning in view of the horrific accident.
Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a high-level inquiry will be conducted into the mishap at Balasore. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, the central minister assured, "A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry,"
"Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration," the minister added
Railway Ministry has announced ₹10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for the seriously injured and ₹50,000 for those with minor injuries. Prime Minister Modi has also expressed his grief over the incident and announced ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund (PMNRF).
According to reports, PM Modi is also expected to visit the accident site and meet the injured at the Balasore hospital.
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