Bengaluru, June 3 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his deepest condolences with the families of the victims of a deadly train accident in Odisha involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express that killed over 235 people.
"Deeply disturbed by the news of the train accident in Balasore, Odisha which has killed more than 50 people. May their souls rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. #TrainAccident," he tweeted.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai also expressed condolences.
Shivakumar called it extremely distressing and heart-breaking news, and prayed for their families affected by this ghastly train accident.
"Extremely distressing and heart-breaking news coming from Balasore, Odisha where the coaches of #CoromandelExpress derailed, resulting in a massive accident with another train. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy in such difficult times. #TrainAccident," he tweeted.
According to the South Eastern Railway, Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express and Sir M Visvesvaraya-Howrah Superfast Express derailed near Bahanaga Bazar Railway station at around 6.55 pm on Friday.
Accident Relief trains with medical equipment , doctors and paramedics have rushed to the site from Kharagpur and Bhadrak.
"Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a train accident in Odisha. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured," Bommai tweeted.
As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties, SE Railway said. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro, it said.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav reached the spot and supervised the rescue operation. General Manager, South Eastern Railway and other principal officers are also at the site.
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