Train Mishap in India Leaves 120 Dead and 850 Injured

A train collision in eastern India’s Odisha state killed at least 120 people and injured 850 others on Friday.

According to the Disaster Management Authority of Odisha, the accident occurred after a passenger train collided with a freight train in Balasore district of the state on Friday evening.

“We have more than 120 deaths at last count and the number is increasing as there are many serious injuries and head injuries,” Sudhanshu Sarangi, general manager of Odisha Fire Services, told AFP from the scene.

“A very unfortunate accident and the prognosis is not good.”

Odisha State Secretary Pradeep Jena confirmed that “about 850 injured people have been sent to hospitals” as rescue work continues.

“Our top priority now is to rescue (the passengers) and provide health support to the injured,” he said.

The country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Disappointed by the train accident in Odisha. At this sad hour, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.”

Anil Kumar Mohanty, the medical officer in Balasore, told AFP that they had brought doctors and medical staff to the site of the accident.

One survivor told local TV news reporters that he was asleep when the accident occurred, and woke up to find himself trapped under about a dozen other passengers, before somehow crawling out of the carriage with only injuries to his neck and arm.

Another television station showed live images of a train carriage that fell to one side of the track, as residents tried to carry the victims to safety.