Odisha train accident: ‘Witnessed so much blood and death in one night…,’ survivors recount horrific mishap

Hours after the devastating train crash in Odisha, survivors have shared their horrifying experiences. The collision, involving three trains including Coromandel express, resulted in the death of nearly 300 people and approximately 900 were left injured.

Subroto Pal, one of them, says, "We left for Chennai from Kharagpur station yesterday. After Balasore station, the train felt a jolt. Then we saw the compartment filling with smoke."

“After the train toppled, we lay there for about 45 minutes. I could not see anyone. I thought I would not survive. Later, the local people came to my aid and they pulled me out of the wreckage...”

His wife Debosree Pal said, “After the jolt, there was complete chaos. People were getting rammed over each other. We were not able to find our son. We don't know how we survived. It is like a second life for us.”

“I witnessed so much blood and so many deaths in one night that I will never forget this devastating accident. I will have to live with these horrific images all my life.”

Pals were travelling in one of the trains that were involved in mishap, survived the accident and returned to their home in Malubasan village in Mahisadal, Purba Medinipur of West Bengal.

"I have never seen such a horrific incident earlier. I was going to Chennai from Bihar. I have not informed my family yet," said another survivor.

The devastating train accident occurred at Bahanaga Bazar Station, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah superfast express, the Coromandel Express, and a goods train on separate tracks.

According to a preliminary report by the State Emergency Operation Centre, 17 coaches of the two passenger trains were derailed and suffered significant damage. However, all injured and trapped passengers have been successfully rescued.

The rescue operations involved the deployment of seven NDRF teams, five ODRAF units, and 24 Fire Services and Emergency Units. Additionally, more than 100 medical teams with paramedical staff and medicines were mobilized to provide medical treatment at the accident site.

Over 200 ambulances were utilized to transport the injured to hospitals in Soro, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Cuttack. The government of Odisha is also facilitating free transportation for stranded passengers and offering free medical treatment to the injured individuals at both government and private hospitals in the state.