Odisha train crash: I saw 200 passengers lying dead, eye witness recalls
One passenger, Anubhav Das, took to Twitter to narrate the horrifying scenes he witnessed last night. He felt extremely thankful to have escaped unscathed India’s biggest train accident
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 3 Jun 2023 10:16 AM GMT
Balasore: At least 238 people have been killed and more than 900 injured in the crash on Friday involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a goods train. Some of the fortunate persons travelling from Howrah to Chennai, who had a lucky escape, share their horrifying experiences.
One passenger, Anubhav Das, took to Twitter to narrate the horrifying scenes he witnessed last night. He felt extremely thankful to have escaped unscathed India’s biggest train accident.
Anubhav first posted a message about the train accident on 2 June, at around 8.30 p.m., asking for emergency from the Railway officials.
“As a passenger on the Coromandel Express from Howrah to Chennai, three trains were involved in the accident - Coromandel Express 12841, Yesvantpur - Howrah SF and a goods train. Initial impressions are that the Coromandel express derailed and collided with the goods train (parked on the loop track on the side). Subsequently the derailed coaches hit the oncoming Yesvantpur express on the nearby track,” wrote Anubhav.
Three general coaches of the Yesvantpur Express were completely damaged and derailed. Almost 13 coaches of the Coromandel Express, including general, sleeper, AC 3 tier, and AC 2 tier, were completely damaged.
“Not to exaggerate, but I have myself witnessed more than 200-250 deaths. Families crushed away, limbless bodies and a bloodbath on the train tracks. It was a sight that I will never forget. God help the families,” wrote Anubhav after a fortunate escape.
Another passenger, Pijush Poddar, a resident of Berhampore in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, was travelling to Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel Express to join work there when the accident happened. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We were jolted and suddenly saw the train bogie turn on one side. Many of us were thrown out of the compartment by the momentum of the derailment. When we managed to crawl out, we found bodies lying all around.”
He added, “The local people who rushed to the incident site helped us, providing water first. They not only helped in pulling out people but retrieved our luggage.”
