India Train Collision... At Least 207 Dead, Over 900 Injured (Update)

A train collision accident, estimated to have caused hundreds of deaths, occurred in India. Authorities reported at least 207 fatalities, and the number of casualties is expected to rise as rescue and search operations continue.

In Odisha state in northeastern India, two passenger trains collided on the evening of the 2nd (local time), resulting in a tragedy with at least 207 fatalities.
[Image source=AP·Yonhap News]

According to BBC and others on the 2nd (local time), at around 7:20 PM, a freight train and a passenger train collided in Balasore, Odisha state, eastern India. Sudanshu Sarangi, Chief of the Odisha Fire Department, stated in a briefing, "So far, 207 bodies have been recovered." Approximately 900 people were reported injured. More than 200 ambulances arrived at the scene after the accident.

There are concerns that the death toll may increase. AFP reported, "Some passengers trapped under the railway vehicles have not yet been rescued," adding, "As rescue workers are extracting the injured from the wreckage at the accident site, the number of fatalities may rise."

A man who survived at the scene recalled, "After the accident, when I came to my senses, there were 10 to 15 people tangled above me. I was at the very bottom." He continued, "I injured my hands and neck. When I got out of the site, I witnessed someone losing a hand and someone else losing a leg," describing the accident situation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on the same day, "I am saddened by this accident. I stand with the bereaved families," adding, "Rescue operations are underway at the accident site. We will provide all possible support to those affected. I hope the injured recover quickly."

Meanwhile, the exact cause of the accident has not yet been disclosed. Authorities suspect that the passenger train derailed and collided with the freight train.