At least 207 people were killed and over 900 were injured on Monday in a three-train crash in India’s eastern state of Odisha. The incident, which is one of the deadliest train accidents in the country, occurred when a goods train derailed and hit a passenger train travelling in the opposite direction. A second passenger train also collided with the wreckage.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of grief across India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announcing compensation for the victims.
According to witnesses, the collision was so strong that several train coaches were crushed, leading to many passengers being trapped inside. Some survivors reported having to break windows to escape the wreckage. Rescue teams arrived shortly after the accident and were able to extract several passengers from the damaged trains.
The incident raises concerns over railway safety in India, which has experienced several deadly train accidents in recent years. Officials have promised a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Passengers onboard one of the affected trains narrated the horrid experience as they witnessed the accident unfold. Many remain traumatized and are receiving medical attention.
The rescue operation is still ongoing, and authorities are still working to identify all the victims. The incident has garnered widespread coverage across global media, including The New York Times, CNN, BBC, Times of India, and India Today.