At Least 120 Dead and 850 Injured in Train Collision in India

"Many Severe Patients, Death Toll Expected to Rise Further"

On the 2nd, a train collision occurred in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, resulting in at least 120 deaths and 850 injuries.

According to AFP and other foreign media, at around 7:20 PM local time on the 2nd, two passenger trains collided at a point 200 km away from the state capital Bhubaneswar.

On the 2nd (local time), a train collision occurred in Odisha, eastern India, resulting in at least 120 deaths and over 300 injuries. Photo by AP [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The railway authorities stated in a press release that the 'Howrah Superfast Express' train derailed and collided with the 'Coromandel Express' train heading to Chennai.

Sudanshu Sarangi, Chief of the Odisha Fire Service, said, "So far, the death toll has been counted at over 120. Many patients have serious injuries and head wounds, so the number of deaths is expected to increase." Rescue and search operations are still ongoing, so the death toll is expected to rise further.

Pradeep Jena, Secretary of Odisha state, said, "About 850 injured people have been transported to hospitals. Our top priority now is to rescue passengers and provide medical support to the injured."

On the 2nd (local time), a train collision occurred in Odisha, eastern India, resulting in at least 120 deaths and over 300 injuries. Photo by AP [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

A witness at the accident site told foreign media, "There was blood and broken limbs around, and people were dying."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "I am deeply saddened by this accident and stand with the families of the victims," adding, "Rescue operations are underway at the accident site, and all possible support is being provided to the victims."

On the 2nd (local time), a train collision occurred in Odisha, eastern India, resulting in at least 120 deaths and over 300 injuries. Photo by AP [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

India, which has the world's largest railway network, experiences hundreds of train accidents every year. In August 1995, a train accident near New Delhi resulted in 358 deaths.