UPDATE 3 - Death toll from major India train crash rises to 288 as rescue efforts end

UPDATE 3 - Death toll from major India train crash rises to 288 as rescue efforts end

Passenger trains derail in eastern Odisha state on Friday evening, leaving hundreds of others injured

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL; ADDS VISIT BY INDIAN PM TO CRASH SITE; CHANGES HEADLINE, LEDE, DECK; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – The death toll from the massive train crash in India rose to 288 on Saturday as rescuers ended the search for survivors, officials said.

The accident occurred in the Balasore district of Odisha late Friday and a massive rescue operation was carried out involving the National Disaster Response Force, military and other agencies, according to officials.

The Indian Railways confirmed the latest death toll, while Mamta Banerjee, the chief minister of the neighboring West Bengal state, who visited the crash site, said the death toll from what she called "the biggest (train accident) of this century" could further rise.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the train crash site in the eastern Odisha state, where at least 288 people were killed and hundreds of others injured when two trains derailed.

Modi reviewed the relief works at the crash site.

"He interacted with local authorities, personnel from the disaster relief forces and railways officials. He emphasized the 'Whole of Government' approach to mitigate this monumental tragedy," India's Press Information Bureau said on Twitter about Modi's visit.

He asked concerned authorities to "ensure all needed help is provided to the injured and their families," according to the government agency.

After meeting the injured people, Modi told public broadcaster Doordarshan that instructions were issued for a comprehensive probe, and said those found guilty will be punished severely.

He pledged that the government will leave no stone unturned to provide treatment to the injured.

Earlier, the Indian premier held a high-level meeting in New Delhi to get briefed about the situation in the wake of the railway accident.

A report issued by Odisha's emergency operation center on Saturday described the crash as a "three-way accident," which involved Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Coromandel Express and goods train on "three separate tracks" at Bahanaga market station.

"17 coaches of these two trains have been de-railed and severely damaged," it said, adding that around 1,000 people have been injured.


- Rescue efforts end at crash site

The railway authorities also said that the rescue operation was completed at the crash site and restoration work started.

The authorities in Odisha announced that 200 ambulances and 45 mobile health teams were deployed, as well as additional doctor teams.

Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, a top official from the Balasore district, told Anadolu that nearly 1,100 people were injured in the crash and shifted to different hospitals.

Footage from the site showed a large number of rescuers helped passengers trapped on the train early Saturday. It showed immense damage to the coaches in what is the worst-ever train accident in recent Indian history.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who reached the site Saturday, said the best possible healthcare facility will be provided to the injured and a high-level committee was formed to investigate the crash and to know the root cause of the accident.

A survivor, who was onboard the train, said he was asleep when it derailed.

"Ten to 15 passengers fell on my body," he told reporters. "When I came out of the coach, I found someone was without limbs, foot and someone had face injuries as well."

"We were jolted and suddenly saw the train bogie turn on one side. Many of us were thrown out of the compartment by the momentum of the derailment. When we managed to crawl out, we found bodies lying all around," Pijush Poddar from West Bengal state told the Press Trust of India news agency.

The report said the Balasore district hospital "looked like a war zone."

Shortly after the accident, residents rushed to the hospital to donate blood. Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said 500 units of blood were collected overnight in Balasore.

India's South Eastern Railway announced the cancellation and diversions of several trains.

The state's information and public relations department said Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik ordered a one-day mourning period.

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

India has experienced large train accidents. In 2016, more than 140 passengers were killed after a train derailed in northern Uttar Pradesh state.


- Condolences

Several countries conveyed their condolences over the deadly train crash.

Türkiye expressed "deep sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries."

"We extends its condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident as well as to the people and government of India and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," said a Foreign Ministry statement.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin also extended his condolences to the people and government of India over the train crash and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

"Türkiye is ready for any kind of help," Kalin said on Twitter.

Also, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti extended "deepest condolences" to the families of those who lost their lives in the train accident. "We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief," tweeted Garcetti.

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said he is "saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians are standing with the people of India at this difficult time.

"The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I'm sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I'm keeping the injured in my thoughts," he said.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Twitter that he is "deeply saddened" by the loss of hundreds of lives in the train accident.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.

Embassies of China, Russia, Italy, Japan in India also posted condolences messages on Twitter.

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