Almost 300 Killed, Hundreds Injured in Indian Train Crash

Almost 300 people have been confirmed dead and over 600 injured in a crash involving three trains in India’s eastern Odisha state, on Friday.

One passenger train derailed and its coaches fell on to the adjacent track where another incoming train hit the debris and also derailed up to three carriages. Report says a third train carrying freight was also involved in the incident.

The train crash is described as the country’s deadliest rail accident in years. The cause of the accident remains unclear. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says “a high-level inquiry” into the incident has been ordered.

Reports says more than 200 ambulances and several fire units are involved in the rescue efforts. Hundreds of doctors and nurses are also present on the scene. Speaking to the local television, one male survivor said about 15 people fell on top of him and he was at the bottom of the pile.

“I was at the bottom of the pile. My hand is injured, it’s hurting a lot, and also the back of my neck”, said the survivor. “When I came out, I saw someone had lost their hand, someone had lost their leg, while someone’s face was distorted.”

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed by train accident in Odisha.” He said “all possible assistance” was being offered.

Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com for more