Odisha tragedy: Railway board recommends CBI probe into triple train accident, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

The tragic triple train accident near Balasore in Odisha has prompted the Railway Board to recommend a CBI probe, according to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Speaking to the media, Vaishnaw explained that the Railway Board has taken this step in line with the "administrative information" and to facilitate further investigation into the incident.

"Considering the administrative information, Railway Board has been recommending the entire case to the CBI for further investigation," Vaishnaw said at a press conference.

Death Toll and Injured Victims

The train mishap resulted in the loss of at least 275 lives, as confirmed by Odisha Chief Secretary Pardip Jena, and left around 1100 people injured. Some of the bodies have been transported to Bhubaneswar, as stated by Jena.

Railway Services Assessment

Earlier in the day, while assessing the railway services, the Union Railway Minister assured that the down main line is fit for operations, indicating progress in the restoration efforts.

Centre & Odisha govt working together to help victims

The Centre along with the support of the state government are giving all support to the injured patients who are admitted to various hospitals in Balasore, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.

"Patients are being given all facilities in hospitals. There are teams of doctors who are taking care of patients round-the-clock," Vaishnaw said.

He said the government was trying to get in touch with the families of the deceased.

"We are trying to get in touch with families of the dead," the Minister added.

The Odisha government on Sunday revised the triple train accident's death toll to 275 from 288, and put the number of injuries at 1,175.

Unclaimed Bodies and Identification Process

A business park in Balasore, after the Bahanaga High School, has been transformed into a mortuary, housing around 187 unclaimed bodies. Pictures of the bodies, along with the coach numbers in which they were traveling, have been arranged on a table and projected on a screen to assist visiting family members in identifying their loved ones.

Challenges in Identification and Search for Missing Individuals

Families grappling with the tragedy are facing immense difficulties in identifying their relatives. The condition of some bodies has deteriorated, making identification nearly impossible. Despite their efforts, individuals like the person from Panskura in West Bengal have been unable to obtain any information about their missing family members.

Helpline Numbers and Assistance

To provide support and assistance to the affected families, a chart displaying helpline numbers along with information about nearby crematoriums has been posted in the mortuary at the business park.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to investigate the train accident and address the challenges faced by the victims' families during this difficult time. The recommendation for a CBI probe aims to ensure a thorough examination of the incident, and support systems are being implemented to aid the identification process and provide necessary assistance to those affected.