India train crash: More than 260 dead after Odisha accident

A collision between two passenger trains and a goods train in the eastern Indian state of Odisha's Balasore has resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 288 individuals, with approximately 900 others sustaining injuries. According to the railway officials, the Coromandel Express, which operates between Kolkata and Chennai, crashed into the Howrah Superfast Express.

By 11:00 AM (IST), all injured and trapped passengers were rescued. The injured passengers are being given free treatment in the private and government hospitals at Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Soro and Cuttack.

The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said. A goods train too was part of the massive collision, making it one of the deadliest train accidents India has ever witnessed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the crash site in Balasore on Saturday. Odisha and Tamil Nadu have declared a day of state mourning to pay respects to the lives lost in the crash.

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