Odisha train crash LIVE: 1000+ people working tirelessly to complete restoration work

"I commend each and every person belonging to the teams of railways, NDRF, ODRAF, local authorities, police, fire service, volunteers and others who are working tirelessly on the ground and strengthening the rescue ops. Proud of their dedication," tweets PM Narendra Modi

I commend each and every person belonging to the teams of railways, NDRF, ODRAF, local authorities, police, fire service, volunteers and others who are working tirelessly on the ground and strengthening the rescue ops. Proud of their dedication.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

#BREAKING | Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to meet survivors on Sunday. Main rail line to be operational soon.

Tune in to get all the updates #LIVE from Balasore as Republic continues non-stop coverage- https://t.co/zrvgK0TKSF#Balasore #OdishaTrainAccident #Odisha… pic.twitter.com/6mCmAkjiUi

— Republic (@republic)

Restoration work is ongoing at the train accident site in Balasore, Odisha with 1000+ Manpower working tirelessly. At present, more than 7 Poclain Machines, 2 Accident Relief Trains, 3-4 Railway and Road Cranes have been deployed for early restoration: Ministry of Railways

#WATCH | Restoration work is ongoing at the train accident site in Balasore, Odisha with 1000+ Manpower working tirelessly. At present, more than 7 Poclain Machines, 2 Accident Relief Trains, 3-4 Railway and Road Cranes have been deployed for early restoration: Ministry of… pic.twitter.com/IWqeBHXNw0

— ANI (@ANI)

#WATCH | Varanasi, UP: Union Minister Anurag Thakur, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath along with other ministers observe silence to pay tributes to victims of #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/LtMBpbfUse

— ANI (@ANI)

Restoration work is underway at the site of the Odisha train accident as wreckage and mangled coaches of derailed trains are being moved away from the track.

#BREAKING | Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews the restoration work after reaching collision site.#Odisha #CoramandelExpress #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/SgEj8tlSi8

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING: Railway Min Ashwini Vaishnaw says 'a large number of passengers (who were travelling in the accident-hit trains) have reached homes after taking the compensation amount'#Odisha #CoramandelExpress #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/lLxVRDv2pF

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING | Work to remove wreckage and mangled coaches of derailed trains in full swing.

Follow #LIVE updates from Balasore with Niranjan & Shawan here - https://t.co/Fqv3qjzTXY
#Odisha #CoramandelExpress #Balasore #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/Sb2ppk5Qg5

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING | Nine NDRF teams present at spot, restoration work in full swing to make the main railway line operational by tonight.

Follow the updates from Balasore with Niranjan #Odisha #CoramandelExpress #Balasore #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/9Nj1APtOBU

— Republic (@republic)

Joint inspection report by senior subordinate in connection with the derailment of 12841 and 12864 at Bahanaga Bazar station yard on 2nd June 2023

1. 21 Coaches of 12841 were found derailed and some coaches found capsized 
2. Guard brake van and Hal Coaches are now up Main line. 
3. 37334/SRC of 12841 is mounted over Goods train N/002P which is on an up loopline symmetrically and has the same alignment. 
4. Point no. 17 A was found set for the up loop line (in reverse Condition) of BNBR Station at Km no. 255/13-15.
5. 2 rear most coaches of 12864 were found derailed and capsized and toppled beside BNBR station.
6. 3rd Coach from rear of 12864 was found south side Panel dashed and damaged. 
7. Up Loop Line right hand side rail seems to be partially corroded and partially fresh.
8. No sleeper near ATS was found damaged. 
9. Up loopline right hand side rail was' found in tilted condition
10. No sleeper before and ahead of ATS was found damaged on up line.
11. On the up loop line side rail, there are wheel marks. There is no wheel mark found up line side stock rail.
12. In panel route is showing up Main line and points are in normal condition
13. Through Signal Line was given both up and down line as per panel indication.
14. Driving rod was found to be in good condition in between two rails
15. The Stretcher Bar was found in such condition which shows , point were set for up loop line.
16. Significant gap was observed between the curve stock and straight tongue rail.
17. On Dn Main Line, some number of sleepers and rail were found damaged.
18.  OHE wires of up and down lines are damaged condition 
19. Point 16.B  with all roads and Point 17 A will all rods, rods, Point 17 B with all roads and accessories , location box 3, Point track JB-25, signal Post are fully damaged. 

Speaking to the reporters at the scene of the tragedy, Mamata Banerjee promised that Bengal will give 5 lakh each to the relative of those died in the accident. 

Death toll in the Odisha triple crash stands at 261 with 747 people injured along with 56 grievously injured so far.

( Report till 2 pm/ 03.06.23)

 • Death -                         261
 • Grievous Injuries -    056
 • Simple  Injuries   -    747
                                  _______

Total Casualties -          1064

Latest list of patients

No of patients treated : 1113

No of patients released after treatment: 172

No of patients referred: 390

No of patients undergoing treatment presently: 495

The Ministry of Civil Aviation asked airline firms to pay attention to any unusual rises in the cost of tickets to and from Bhubaneswar. All airline firms have received an advisory from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) not to raise prices.

The operation is in the last stages with one bogie that is mangled. It is a complex process and is taking time: NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi tells Republic

#BREAKING | The operation is in the last stages with one bogie that is mangled. It is a complex process and is taking time: NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi tells Republic

Tune in- https://t.co/Fqv3qjzTXY #TrainAccident #Odisha #Balasore #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/MAjrzexxQr

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING | Gas cutters, heavy-duty cranes and bulldozers on location to remove capsized bogies.

Republic's Niranjan Narayanaswamy & Shawan Sen bring #EXCLUSIVE report from crash site. #BalasoreTrainAccident #TrainAccident #Odisha pic.twitter.com/xOL1ecpUGu

— Republic (@republic)

Took stock of the situation at the site of the tragedy in Odisha. Words can’t capture my deep sorrow. We stand committed to providing all possible assistance to those affected. I laud all those working round the clock, on the ground and helping out in relief work: PM Modi after visiting Balasore accident site and hospital

#LIVE | It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration: PM Modi #BalasoreTrainAccident #OdishaTrainAccident #CoromandelExpress pic.twitter.com/N3gsaSXrk0

— Republic (@republic)

#LIVE | It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration: PM Modi #BalasoreTrainAccident #OdishaTrainAccident #CoromandelExpress pic.twitter.com/N3gsaSXrk0

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING | PM Modi promises action against those behind Balasore crash; says 'It's a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently'

Tune in to watch #LIVE & #Exclusive coverage here- https://t.co/zrvgK0TKSF pic.twitter.com/ACrsEJCzNT

— Republic (@republic)

It's a painful incident. Govt will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. It's a serious incident, and instructions are issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently. Railway is working towards track restoration. I met the injured victims: PM Modi after meeting train crash survivors at Balasore Hospital in Odisha

#LIVE | PM Modi meets the train crash victims and their families at Balasore Hospital after assessing the situation at the mishap site and reviewing rescue operations

Tune in as Republic brings you all first-hand updates and visuals from ground zero - https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq… pic.twitter.com/lW5sy8tDjy

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING | After visiting crash site, PM Modi reaches Fakir Hospital in Balasore to meet victims of Odisha train tragedy.

Tune in as Republic brings you all first-hand updates and visuals from ground zero - https://t.co/zrvgK0TKSF #BalasoreTrainAccident #TrainAccident #Odisha pic.twitter.com/Cf2W3lwoAH

— Republic (@republic)

PM visits Odisha train accident site, instructed that special care must be taken to ensure that bereaved families don’t face inconvenience and those affected get required assistance.

#LIVE | PM visits Odisha train accident site, instructed that special care must be taken to ensure that bereaved families don’t face inconvenience and those affected get required assistance.#BalasoreTrainAccident #TrainAccident #Odisha #OdishaTrainAccident #CoromandelExpress pic.twitter.com/uSX6G1cqYf

— Republic (@republic)

This is a very big tragic accident and our prayers are with all the departed souls. Since last night continuously Railways, NDRF, SdRF and State Government all together are doing rescue operation. Complete mobilization done from Baleshwar side, complete mobilization done from Bhubaneswar side. Mobilization has been done from everywhere from Tatanagar because however large the effort put in such a big tragedy is always less.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other officials about the tagic triple train accident. 

#LIVE | PM Modi leaves for Cuttack after reviewing the rescue and restoration operations at the Odisha train accident site, likely to meet CM Naveen Patnaik after visiting the injured passengers

Tune in as Republic brings you all first-hand updates and visuals from ground zero -… pic.twitter.com/a7EDpHYRI3

— Republic (@republic)

#LIVE | PM Modi in action as he reviews rescue and restoration operations at the Balasore train accident site#BalasoreTrainAccident #TrainAccident #Odisha #OdishaAccident pic.twitter.com/hakcixDz02

— Republic (@republic)

#BREAKING: At Balasore crash site, PM Modi takes stock of tragic accident and gets a brief on rescue operation. Republic reports #LIVE from the spot.#OdishaTrainAccident#CoromandalExpress#BalasoreTrainAccident #TrainAccident #Odisha #KAVACH pic.twitter.com/lYzsRyEPdc

— Republic (@republic)

Situational report conveyed to PM Modi by top Railway officials; PM Modi speaks to the rescue teams deployed at the train crash site, likely to visit Cuttack to meet injured passengers next.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the site of Balasore Train Accident to take stock of the situation. Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Dharmendra Pradhan are briefing PM about the situation. 

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the site of #BalasoreTrainAccident to take stock of the situation. #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/MESRLfwnk2

— ANI (@ANI)

"I pay tribute to the dead who lost their lives in the Odisha train accident. My deepest sympathies to his family members. May God give them the strength to bear this sorrow," Khattar said.

ओडिशा रेल हादसे में जान गंवाने वाले मृतकों को मैं श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित करता हूँ।
उनके परिजनों के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदनाएं हैं।

भगवान उन्हें यह दुख सहने की शक्ति दें। pic.twitter.com/DvuJdjdWdt

— Manohar Lal (@mlkhattar)

Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena and other Senior Officers hold a meeting at the Special Relief Commissioner's office in Bhubaneswar. 

"The manner in which they showed negligence & didn't show alertness led to such a large number of casualties. There should be a high-level inquiry and action should be taken against those responsible for it. There was a major negligence, they have destroyed Railways..." RJD chief and former Railway minister Lalu Yadav said. 

#WATCH | RJD chief & former Railways Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav speaks on #BalasoreTrainAccident; says, "...The manner in which they showed negligence & didn't show alertness led to such a large number of casualties...There should be a high-level inquiry and action should be… pic.twitter.com/01WgROya1t

— ANI (@ANI)

"At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help," Kharge's statement read. "A number of Congress leaders from different states have either already reached or will soon be reaching Balasore. I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

At this moment of grave national tragedy on account of the terrible train disaster in Odisha, I have instructed the entire Congress party organisation to extend all possible and needed help.

1/3 pic.twitter.com/TGK8NavywB

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge)

"INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge Ji has deputed Lok Sabha Leader Sh. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Ji and AICC In-Charge Sh. A. Chella Kumar Ji to immediately visit the train crash site in Odisha to take stock of the situation and oversee relief efforts being undertaken by INC workers and frontal organisations," Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal tweeted. 

INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji @kharge has deputed Lok Sabha Leader Sh. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury ji @adhirrcinc and AICC In-Charge Sh. A. Chella Kumar ji @DrAChellaKumar to immediately visit the train crash site in Odisha to take stock of the situation and oversee relief…

— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp)

PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting on the triple train accident in Balasore, Odisha. He was briefed about the incident in which three trains collided leading to the death of over 230 people and 900 injured. Also according to sources, PM will visit the crash site today. He will reach Bhubaneshwar around 2:30pm and head straight to Balasore by a chopper. He will then come back to Cuttack after which he would hold another review meet with the Odisha administration.

#OdishaTrainAccident | PM to reach Bhubaneshwar around 2:30 pm. PM will hold another review meet with Odisha administration in Cuttack: Sources#OdishaTrainTragedy#OdishaTrainAccident
Tune in -- https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/PqCZFDpwL4

— Republic (@republic)

PM Modi to visit Balasore and Cuttack following the triple train crash in Balasore on June 2, in which over 228 people were killed and 900 injured.  

#OdishaTrainAccident | PM Modi to visit accident site in Balasore.#TrainAccident#OdishaTrainAccident

Tune in --- https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/4TeRFXwoZ8

— Republic (@republic)

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik expressed his grief over the tragic train accident in Balasore."I am deeply distressed by this extremely tragic train accident. I thank the local teams who have worked overnight to save people from the wreckage," CM Patnaik said. Railway safety should always be given the first preference. The people are being taken to the hospital," he added.

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened a meeting to review the situation in relation to the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore.

Indian Army on Saturday joined the rescue operation following the train accident in Odisha's Balasore. "Indian Army has been deployed to assist in the evacuation and treatment of injured citizens. Army medical and engineering teams with ambulances & support services have been deployed from the Eastern Command. The teams have been routed from multiple bases so as to reach the place of the incident as early as possible," the Army said.

Several trains have been cancelled or diverted after the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore.

List of trains cancelled on June 3:

1. 18044 Bhadrak – Howrah Express  from Bhadrak 
2. 20890 Tirupati-Howrah Express from Tirupati 
3. 12551 Bangalore - Kamakhya AC SF Express from Bangalore 
4. 12864 Bangalore - Howrah Express  from Bangalore 
5. 12253 Bangalore - Bhagalpur  Anga Express 
6. 08411 Balasore -Bhubaneswar  special from Balasore 
7. 08415/08416 Jenapur-Puri-Jenapur from both the direction 
8. 08439( Puri-Patna special from Puri

List of trains diverted:
1. 12246 Bangalore - Howrah Express from Bangalore on 02.06.2023 will run via Naraj-Angul-Sambalpur city-Jharsuguda.
2. 12503 Bangalore –Agartala Express from Bangalore on 02.06.2023 will run via Vizianagaram-Titilagarh-Jharsuguda.
3. 2864 Bangalore - Howrah Express from Bangalore on 02.06.2023 will run via Naraj-Angul-Sambalpur city-Jharsuguda.
4. 18048 Vascoda Gama-Shalimar from Vascoda Gama  on  02.06.2023 will run via Cuttack-Angul-Sambalpur City-Jharsuguda.
5. 15630 Silghat Town-Tambaram Nagaon Express from  Silghat Town on 02.06.2023 will run via Jharsuguda-Sambalpur City-Angul –Cuttack.
6. 07029 Agartala – Secunderabad special  from Agartala on 02.06.2023 will run via Jharsuguda-Sambalpur City-Angul –Cuttack.
 7. 12664 Tiruchchirappalli -HWH Howrah Express from Tiruchchirappalli on 02.06.2023 will run via Vizianagaram-Titilagarh-Jharsuguda.

Partial cancellation:
1. 2704 Secunderabad- Howrah  Express from Secunderabad on 02.06.2023 will run up to Cuttack and will remain cancelled from Cuttack to Howrah.

Rescheduling of train: 
1.18046 Hyderabad - Shalimar East Coast Express from Hyderabad on 03.06.2023 to be rescheduled for 3 hours.

"As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro", South East Railway said in a statement.

Speaking on the rescue operation, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said that efforts are underway to cut the only bogie left which was severely damaged after the horrific train accident in Balasore.

Former Uttar Pradesh CM and BSP chief Mayawati said, "Extremely saddened by the horrific accident of three trains including Chennai Central Coromandel in South India yesterday in Balasore district of Odisha and many people were killed in it. My deepest condolences to all of their families. May nature give them all the strength to bear this deep sorrow."

"Taking this horrific accident very seriously, the Central Government should conduct an immediate high-level time-bound inquiry into it, as well as provide appropriate financial assistance to the families of all the deceased and provide full help in restoring their lives by arranging better treatment for the injured, this is the demand of BSP," she added.

1. दक्षिण भारत की चेन्नई सेन्ट्रल कोरोमण्डल सहित तीन ट्रेनों की ओडिसा के बालासोर ज़िले में कल हुई भीषण दुर्घटना व उसमें काफी लोगों के हताहत होने की खबर अति-दुःखद। उन सबके परिवार के प्रति मेरी गहरी संवेदना। कुदरत उन सबको इस गहरे दुःख को सहन करने की शक्ति प्रदान करे।

— Mayawati (@Mayawati)

"Extremely pained by the disastrous TrainAccident in Balasore, Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I also pray for speedy recovery of the injured," former Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu tweeted.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has arrived at the spot of the triple train tragedy in Balasore. Along with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the CM also took stock of the situation.  

#OdishaTrainTragedy | Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Railways Minister take stock of the situation at the accident site.#TrainAccident #TrainMishap #OdishaTrain

Tune in -- https://t.co/6CjsNJ9CEq pic.twitter.com/dFH4CN5mKM

— Republic (@republic)

"Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted. 

Deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Odisha. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. Kerala stands in solidarity with Odisha during this difficult time. @Naveen_Odisha

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan)

The BJP has adjourned all its programmes, scheduled for Saturday, related to the Modi government's ninth anniversary in the wake of the tragic train accident in Balasore which has left 233 people dead so far.

Speaking to reporters, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "It's a big tragic accident. Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. The best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about it."

"Our focus is on rescue and relief operations. Restoration will begin after clearance from the district administration. A detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also do an independent inquiry," he added.

#BREAKING | This is a tragic incident. Since the last night, rescue operations are going on. The NDRF, state govt and Railways all are working together. A high-level committee will inquire: Railway Min Ashwini Vaishnaw.#OdishaTrainAccident

Tune in- https://t.co/zrvgK0UiId pic.twitter.com/QtGduSiKwl

— Republic (@republic)

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has arrived at the accident spot in Odisha's Balasore where three trains collided. The Minister has taken stock of the situation while interacting with the officials there.

#BREAKING | Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrives at accident spot in Odisha's Balasore, takes stock of situation.#OdishaTrainAccident #Odisha

Tune in here- https://t.co/zrvgK0UiId pic.twitter.com/tvAc5rGRTv

— Republic (@republic)

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cuts short his visit to Kolkata in West Bengal and leaves for Balasore in Odisha. He is expected to reach the spot in a few hours.

Speaking on the rescue operation, Colonel SK Dutta of the Indian Army said, "We are continuously engaged (in rescue operations) since last night. More columns (of the Army) are coming from Kolkata."

#WATCH | "We are continuously engaged (in rescue operations) since last night. More columns (of army) are coming from Kolkata," says Colonel SK Dutta, Indian Army #OdishaTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/SEXzxsonv2

— ANI (@ANI)

People queue up in Balasore to donate blood after the horrific train accident in Odisha's Balasore on Saturday. As per officials, 233 people have died and around 900 are injured.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore. Rescue ops are underway and the NDRF team is providing all the possible assistance to the affected people. I appeal the local BJP karyakartas to provide the necessary support in the rescue efforts. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," BJP national president JP Naada tweeted.

Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore.

Rescue ops are underway and the NDRF team is providing all the possible assistance to the affected people.

I appeal the local BJP karyakartas to provide the necessary support in the rescue efforts.…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday announced state mourning in the wake of the triple train accident in Odisha's Balasore.  As it is the birth anniversary of former CM of Tamil Nadu M Karunanidhi today, several events were scheduled. The CM has announced that all these events stay cancelled to mourn the death of the lives lost in the Balasore tragedy.

Expressing his grief, Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said, "I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, the Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief."

I'm saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families at this hour of grief.

— PMO Nepal (@PM_nepal_)

A rescue operation is still underway in Balasore—latest visuals from the site of the deadly train accident in Odisha.

#WATCH | Latest visuals from the site of the deadly train accident in Odisha's Balasore. Rescue operations underway

The current death toll stands at 233 pic.twitter.com/H1aMrr3zxR

— ANI (@ANI)

At least 233 people were killed and about 900 injured in the horrific train crash in Odisha, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, according to officials.

Flagging off function of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express cancelled after the horrific train mishap in Odisha's Balasore: Konkan Railway Official

— ANI (@ANI)

VSKP HELPLINE NUMBERS
Railway
83003
83004
80005
83006
Landline
08912746330
08912744619
Airtel Sim
8106053051
8106053052
BSNL Sim
8500041670
8500041671
Disaster Helpline No at Srikakulam Railway Station.
Railway no
85911
85912
85913
85914
BSNL no
08942-286213
08942-286245

— DRM Kharagpur (@drmkgp)

Special help desks have been set up at Dr MGR Central to render assistance in connection with #CoromandelExpress mishap in Odisha today

Helpline numbers of Chennai Control office and help desks :

044-25330952, 044-25330953 & 044-25354771 pic.twitter.com/au4puUtWBU

— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway)

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday night left for Odisha's Balasore following a horrific triple train crash there, which killed at least 50 people and injured 350 others.

"Landed in Kolkata to the unfortunate news of the train mishap in Balasore. My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wish for the earliest recovery and well-being of all, particularly those who are critically injured. Urge all those affected to stay strong. Leaving for Balasore," he tweeted.

Landed in Kolkata to the unfortunate news of the train mishap in Balasore.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families who have lost their loved ones. Wish for the earliest recovery and well-being of all, particularly those who are critically injured. Urge all those affected…

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp)

Expressing distress over the train accident in Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said rescue operations were underway at the site and all possible assistance was being given to those affected.

Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The prime minister spoke to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take stock of the situation. 

"Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon," Modi said in a tweet.

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 @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)

At least 70 people were killed and more than 350 injured in a horrific triple train crash on Friday in Odisha's Balasore district involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, officials said.

Officials said several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah train travelling to Howrah derailed at Bahanaga Baazar, near Balasore and fell on adjacent tracks.

"These derailed coaches collided with 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and its coaches capsized too," a senior official said.

A goods train was also involved in the accident as the coaches of the Coromandel Express hit its wagons after getting derailed, the official said.

One NDRF team is at the triple-train crash site in Odisha's Balasore district while five more are being rushed to the spot, officials said on Friday.

The estimated strength of these six teams is more than 240 personnel, they said.

The teams are equipped with stretchers, gas cutters, lifting pads, first-aid kits and other equipment, and sniffer dogs.

Eighteen long-distance trains were cancelled following the horrific triple train crash in Odisha's Balasore district on Friday evening, an official said.

Seven trains were also diverted via the Tatanagar station, he said.