Loss of Lives in Odisha Rail Mishap: Prez, PM, Other leaders extend condolences

New Delhi, Jun 02, 2023, IANS

In the wake of the devastating rail accident in Balasore, Odisha, on Friday evening, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several other national leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP Chief J.P. Nadda, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, have expressed deep grief over the tragic incident that claimed the lives of at least 50 individuals, with over 150 others sustaining injuries.

President Droupadi Murmu took to Twitter to share her heartfelt sympathies, stating, "Deeply anguished to know about the loss of lives in an unfortunate rail accident in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue operations and quick recovery of the injured."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his distress through a tweet, saying, "Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon." He further assured that he had spoken to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to assess the situation and that all possible assistance was being provided to those affected.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw himself conveyed his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured and offered condolences to the grieving families. He promptly announced an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for the grievously injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. Vaishnaw also informed that rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state government teams, and the Air Force, were mobilized from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata to the accident site.

Expressing his sorrow, Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "The train accident at Balasore in Odisha is deeply agonizing. The NDRF team has already reached the accident site, and other teams are also rushing to join the rescue operation. My condolences to the bereaved families, and praying for the speedy recovery of those injured."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also shared his condolences, tweeting, "Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives in the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers are with the affected passengers and their families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured."

The President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), J.P. Nadda, expressed his grief over the incident and called for support from local BJP workers in the rescue efforts. He wrote on Twitter, "Deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha's Balasore. Rescue ops are underway, and the NDRF team is providing all the possible assistance to the affected people. I appeal to the local BJP karyakartas to provide the necessary support in the rescue efforts. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also extended his sympathies, tweeting, "Deeply saddened by the terrible train tragedy involving the Coromandel Express in Odisha. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims. We urge the authorities to expedite rescue operations and provide relief to the injured. Request Congress workers to provide all possible help."

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expressed his condolences as well, stating, "Saddened by the news of the death of several people in a train accident in Odisha's Balasore. May God give peace to those who died. My prayers are with the families in this hour of grief. Wishing for the speedy recovery of the injured."

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi also shared his anguish, urging Congress workers and leaders to extend their support in rescue efforts. He tweeted, "Anguished by the tragic news of the accident involving the Coromandel Express in Balasore, Odisha. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. Wishing for the speedy recovery of those injured. I urge Congress workers & leaders to extend all support needed for rescue efforts."

As the nation mourns the lives lost in this tragic rail accident, rescue operations continue in full swing, with multiple teams working diligently to provide aid and assistance to the affected individuals. The government and political leaders are committed to ensuring the swift recovery of the injured and extending support to grieving families during this difficult time. (Edited)