A devastating collision involving two passenger trains and a goods train in the city of Balasore, located in eastern Odisha state, has resulted in the confirmed death of at least 288 individuals, with more than 1,000 people sustaining injuries.

The incident occurred on Friday evening when one passenger train derailed, causing its coaches to topple onto an adjacent track where they were struck by an incoming train, as reported by local sources.

The trains involved in the collision have been identified as the Coromandel Express and the Howrah Superfast Express, according to Indian Railways. Rescue operations are currently underway, as emergency responders in India work tirelessly to locate survivors in what is being regarded as one of the country's most devastating rail disasters.

Unfortunately, rescuers anticipate a further increase in the death toll, as numerous individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the overturned train carriages. The magnitude of the tragedy has prompted a swift response, with more than 200 ambulances, along with a large number of doctors, nurses, and rescue personnel, dispatched to the scene in Balasore district, as confirmed by Pradeep Jena, the state's chief secretary.

Drone footage captured at the accident site reveals several detached and tipped-over coaches, underscoring the severity of the collision. The Indian Railways has announced compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for those severely injured, and ₹50,000 for individuals with minor injuries. Additionally, families of the deceased will receive ex gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF), with ₹50,000 provided to the injured.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, 49 train services were canceled, and 38 trains were redirected to alternate routes. The inaugural run of the Mumbai CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, originally scheduled for June 3, was also called off.

Sri Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, declared a one-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families.

In a Twitter post, he stated: “Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed profound distress over the incident.

The nation mourns the loss of lives in this tragic incident and stands united in extending support to the affected individuals and their families. (ILKHA)