Goods Train Derails In Odisha Days After Balasore Tragedy That Killed 275 People
Odisha has witnessed another train accident on Monday, just three days after the horrific triple train collision in Balasore district that claimed 275 lives and injured more than 1,100 people. A goods train carrying limestone derailed on a private narrow gauge rail line in Bargarh district, damaging five bogies of the train. Fortunately, no casualty or injury has been reported so far.
What happened?
According to the officials, the goods train was en route to Bargarh from Dunguri when it derailed near Mendhapali of Bargarh district around 6 am on Monday. The train was operated by a private cement company and had no link to the Indian railway system. The East Coast Railway said in a statement that all the infrastructure including rolling stock, engine, wagons and train tracks (narrow gauge) were being maintained by the company and there was no role of railways in this matter.
The police have reached the spot and started a probe into the incident. The cause of the derailment is not yet known.
How does it compare to the Balasore tragedy?
The Bargarh derailment is a minor incident compared to the Balasore tragedy that occurred on Friday evening near the Bahanaga Bazar station. In one of the deadliest train accidents in India, three trains collided one after another in a horrific sequence, involving Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train.
The crash happened when the Coromandel Express, headed towards Chennai, derailed and collided with a goods train on the adjacent track, causing the rear carriage of the Coromandel Express to veer off onto the third track. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, coming from the opposite direction on the third track, rammed into the derailed coaches.
The impact of the collision was so severe that many coaches were crushed and mangled beyond recognition. The rescue and relief operations were hampered by darkness, rain and lack of equipment. Many passengers were trapped inside the wreckage for hours before they could be extricated.
The death toll has risen to 275 as of Monday morning and more than 1,100 people are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in the state. The state government has announced compensation for the victims and their families and ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident.
What are the challenges and lessons for railway safety?
The two train accidents in Odisha within a span of three days have raised serious questions about the safety and security of railway passengers and infrastructure in India. While the Bargarh derailment was on a private rail line and had no direct connection with the railways, it still exposes the vulnerability of such lines that are not regulated or monitored by the authorities.
The Balasore tragedy, on the other hand, was a major lapse on the part of the railways that failed to prevent such a catastrophic chain of events. The preliminary investigation has suggested that human error, signal failure and poor coordination were some of the possible causes of the accident. However, a detailed probe is needed to ascertain the exact reasons and fix accountability.
The two incidents also highlight the need for improving the emergency response and rescue mechanisms in case of such disasters. The lack of adequate equipment, personnel and coordination hampered the relief operations in Balasore and caused more suffering for the victims. There is also a need for enhancing public awareness and education about railway safety rules and precautions.
The railway ministry has assured that it will take all necessary steps to ensure safety and security of passengers and infrastructure. It has also announced several measures such as installing anti-collision devices, upgrading signalling systems, conducting safety audits and enhancing training for staff⁶. However, these measures need to be implemented effectively and urgently to prevent any further loss of lives and property.
Source
(1) Goods train carrying limestone derails in Odisha's Bargarh. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/balasore-train-accident-another-goods-train-derails-bargarh-mendhapali-2388890-2023-06-05.
(2) Another train incident strikes Odisha following Balasore tragedy. https://www.onmanorama.com/news/india/2023/06/05/train-accident-odisha-balasore-tragedy-bargarh-district.html.
(3) Days after horrific 3-train crash, another railway tragedy in Odisha. https://www.rediff.com/news/report/days-after-horrific-3-train-crash-another-railway-tragedy-in-odisha/20230605.htm.
(4) Goods train derails on rail line in Odisha's Bargarh; no casualty reported. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/goods-train-derails-on-rail-line-in-odisha-s-bargarh-no-casualty-reported-123060500240_1.html.
(5) Another train accident in Odisha after Balasore tragedy, 5 compartments derailed near Bargarh district. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/another-train-accident-in-odisha-after-balasore-tragedy-5-compartments-derailed-near-bargarh-district/ar-AA1c8nB0.
(6) Another goods train derails in Odisha's Bargarh, two days after the .... https://www.firstpost.com/india/watch-another-goods-train-derails-in-odishas-bargarh-two-days-after-the-balasore-tragedy-12691672.html.
FAQ's
Which train is accident in Odisha?
Coromandel Express Odisha train tragedy: Coromandel Express entered wrong track before accident. Coromandel Express hit a static goods train by entering the loop line instead of proceeding on its mainline.
How many died in Balasore train accident?
275 people Three days after India's most horrific train accident killed over 275 people, desperate families continue to search for their loved ones.
When did Utkal Express accident happen?
19 August 2017 On 19 August 2017, around 5:45 pm (IST), 14 of the 23 coaches of the Kalinga Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The train was heading from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
What caused Kadalundi train accident?
Three carriages fell into the water, with 59 people reported killed or missing, and up to 300 believed injured. The official inquiry concluded that the accident was caused by one pillar of the 140-year old bridge sinking into the riverbed, following recent heavy rain, though this finding has been challenged.
