PM Modi visits Odisha train accident site, to meet injured in hospital

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the Odisha train accident site in Odisha's Balasore where three trains collided killing 261. PM Modi has reached Balasore to take stock of the situation and meet the Odisha train collision survivors in the Balasore hospital. PM Modi landed in an Air Force chopper near the site of the incident at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district.

At least 261 people died and over 900 were injured after three trains – Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and a goods train -- crashed into each other at Bahanaga Bazar Station in Balasore district. Odisha train accident LIVE updates

A coordinated rescue operation was initiated with the participation of seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, five Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, and 24 Fire Services and Emergency units.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed Mi-17 helicopters to evacuate the deceased and injured. The Eastern Command confirms that the IAF is collaborating with the civil administration and Indian Railways to ensure effective rescue efforts.

The Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the site and directed a "high level" probe and said measures will be taken to ensure such incidents do not take place in the future.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also visited the accident site to take stock of the situation.