Odisha train accident: Modi takes stock, assures strict action

After visiting the site of the tragic triple train accident in Balasore district, Odisha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the press that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and met with the affected individuals at Balasore Hospital.

#WATCH | Odisha: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed by Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other officials about the #BalasoreTrainAccident pic.twitter.com/DBcaMSlWht

— ANI (@ANI) June 3, 2023

“Stringent action will be taken against those found guilty in the train accident incident. No one will be spared,” Modi said. Prime Minister also promised, “We will give the best possible treatment to those injured in this tragedy”. He also expressed his gratitude to locals for all the help in rescuing people, many of whom worked through the night. “I am grateful to local people for all help given to train accident victims,” Modi said.

Also read: Odisha train crash: Human error or signal failure? Nation awaits final answer

Speaking of the accident he said, “I do not have words to express the pain. Let Almighty give us strength to overcome this situation”. He was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and was briefed on the situation by both Vaishnaw as well as officers of the disaster management team which worked overnight to rescue people at the disaster site where at least 288 people have died and over 900 injured.

The Prime Minister spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and Health Minister from the site. He asked them to ensure all help needed is provided to the injured and their families, said officials. Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don’t face inconvenience and that those affected keep getting the assistance they require.

Also read: Ex-gratia, helplines: Steps by Odisha, Bengal, TN, Karnataka, Andhra after train accident

He also interacted with Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Pramila Mallik as well as the local police chief. The PM also inquired about the progress of restoration work launched at the mishap site. Before reaching the accident site at Bahanaga Bazar, the PM had chaired a high-level meeting in New Delhi on the train accident.

(With agency inputs)