Several passengers injured as Coromandel Express derails

Bhubaneswar, June 2 (FN Representative) Several passengers are said to have been injured after several bogies of the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express skieed off the tracks near Bahanaga railway station in Balasore district under East coast Railway on Friday evening. The train, coming from Shalimar, carried many people from West Bengal, some of whom were seriously injured,” said state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “Shocked to know that the Shalimar- Coromandel 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. “ she said. Several passengers are said to be trapped, under the coaches, sources said.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has asked state Revenue Minister Pramila Mallik and Special Relief Commissioner Satyabra Sahu to go to the spot and supervise the rescue operation. The authorities have deployed more than 25 ambulances and NDRF and ODRAF and fire team in the rescue and relief operation. Four senior officers including DG Fire Sudhansu Sarangi are also supervising the rescue operation. As total darkness prevailed in the area the rescue teams are facing problem in rescue operation. Odisha DGP Sudhansu Sarangi said very soon arrangement for light would be arranged for conducting speedy rescue operation.

While the state government has issued emergency no 06782262262286 the railway have issued helpline 033-26382217 for Howarah, 8972073925 for Khargarpur, 8249591559 for Balasore 9903370746 for Shalimar. Doctors were sent from Balasore Medical college . Reports said ten injured passengers were rushed to Balasore Medical College . Local people are helping the police and fire brigade team in the rescue operation. Meanwhile the authorities have set up an emergency control room at Balasore and issued an emergency number 06782262286 .