At least 288 people were killed and 803 injured in a devastating collision between two passenger trains in India’s Odisha state, marking the country’s deadliest rail disaster in over two decades. Officials confirmed the rising toll on Saturday as emergency teams worked to clear debris and assist survivors.
Dozens of injured passengers were transported to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha’s largest healthcare facility, for urgent treatment. Hospital authorities have mobilized additional staff and resources to manage the influx of critical cases. “We are prioritizing trauma care and surgeries,” said a medical superintendent, speaking anonymously due to protocol restrictions.
The crash has reignited concerns about rail safety in India, which operates one of the world’s largest networks, serving over 22 million passengers daily. While officials have launched an investigation into the cause, preliminary reports suggest potential signaling failures. The disaster eclipses the 1999 Gaisal train collision, which claimed 285 lives.
Globally, transportation authorities are scrutinizing aging infrastructure and overcrowding risks, issues amplified by rapid urbanization. As recovery efforts continue, questions linger about systemic reforms to prevent future tragedies.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
