Goods Train Derails in Odisha Days After Balasore Tragedy That Killed 275 People

Another Train Accident in Bargarh Odisha

# What happened?

Just three days after the tragic triple train collision in Balasore that killed 275 people and injured over 1,000, another train accident has occurred in Odisha. A goods train carrying limestone derailed on a private narrow gauge rail line near Mendhapali in Bargarh district on Monday morning. The train was en route to Bargarh from Dunguri, operated by a private cement company. No casualties have been reported so far.

# Why did it happen?

The cause of the derailment is not yet clear. Police have reached the spot and started an investigation. The East Coast Railway said that the incident has no link to the Indian railway system, as all the infrastructure including rolling stock, engine, wagons and train tracks are being maintained by the private cement company. The rail line is a narrow gauge siding of the cement factory.

# How does it compare to the Balasore tragedy?

The Balasore tragedy was one of the deadliest train accidents in India's history. It happened on Friday evening when three trains collided one after another in a horrific sequence near the Bahanaga Bazar station. The Coromandel Express, headed towards Chennai, derailed and collided with a goods train on the adjacent track, causing the rear carriage of the Coromandel Express to veer off onto the third track. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, coming from the opposite direction on the third track, rammed into the derailed coaches. The impact was so severe that some coaches were thrown into the air and landed on nearby houses and shops. The rescue and relief operations are still going on, as many bodies are still trapped under the debris.

The Bargarh accident, on the other hand, was a minor one involving only one goods train on a private rail line. It did not affect any passenger trains or cause any loss of life or property. However, it has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of private rail lines in the state.

# What are the implications of the accidents?

The two accidents have shaken the confidence of the public in the railway system. Many people have expressed their anger and grief over the Balasore tragedy and demanded accountability and compensation from the authorities. Some have also questioned the role of human error and negligence in causing such disasters. The railway minister has ordered a high-level inquiry into the Balasore accident and announced ex-gratia payments for the victims. He has also assured that steps will be taken to improve safety standards and prevent such incidents in future.

The Bargarh accident has also highlighted the need for better regulation and inspection of private rail lines in the state. The private cement company has not issued any statement or explanation about the derailment so far. It is not clear whether they have followed proper safety protocols and standards while operating their rail line. The state government has not commented on the matter either. It is hoped that both the public and private sectors will work together to ensure safe and smooth transportation of goods and passengers in Odisha.

Source: 

(1) Days after Coromandel crash, another goods train derails in Odisha .... https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/days-after-coromandel-crash-another-goods-train-derails-in-odisha/articleshow/100757472.cms.

(2) Odisha Train accident today: 3 days after Balasore tragedy, goods train .... https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/3-days-after-balasore-tragedy-goods-train-derails-in-bargarh-odisha/articleshow/100757514.cms.

(3) Goods train derails on rail line in Odisha's Bargarh; no casualty reported. https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/goods-train-derails-on-rail-line-in-odisha-s-bargarh-no-casualty-reported-123060500240_1.html.

(4) Odisha Train Accident: Goods Train Carrying Limestone Derails In Bargarh. https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/other/odisha-train-accident-goods-train-carrying-limestone-derails-in-bargarh/ar-AA1c8pjT.

(5) Goods train carrying limestone derails in Odisha's Bargarh. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/balasore-train-accident-another-goods-train-derails-bargarh-mendhapali-2388890-2023-06-05.

FAQ's 

Which train is accident in Odisha?

Coromandel Express Odisha train tragedy: Coromandel Express entered wrong track before accident. Coromandel Express hit a static goods train by entering the loop line instead of proceeding on its mainline.

How many died in Balasore train accident?

275 people Three days after India's most horrific train accident killed over 275 people, desperate families continue to search for their loved ones.

When did Utkal Express accident happen?

19 August 2017 On 19 August 2017, around 5:45 pm (IST), 14 of the 23 coaches of the Kalinga Utkal Express derailed near Khatauli in the Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The train was heading from Puri in Odisha to Haridwar in Uttarakhand.

What caused Kadalundi train accident?

Three carriages fell into the water, with 59 people reported killed or missing, and up to 300 believed injured. The official inquiry concluded that the accident was caused by one pillar of the 140-year old bridge sinking into the riverbed, following recent heavy rain, though this finding has been challenged.