How Triple-Train Collision Unfolded In Odisha: Railway Board Explains

Two days after the Odisha triple train tragedy, Railway Board on Sunday said that the preliminary findings suggest that there has been some issue with the signalling.

Only Coromandel Express met with an accident. The train was at a speed of around 128 km/h, it added.

Addressing a press conference, top railway official Jaya Varma Sinha said "according to the preliminary findings, there has been some issue with the signalling. We are still waiting for the detailed report from the Commissioner of Railway Safety. Only Coromandal Express met with an accident. The train was at a speed of around 128 km/h."

She said the goods train did not get derailed since it was carrying iron ores and had maximum damage on Coromandel Express.

"The goods train did not get derailed. Since the goods train was carrying iron ores, the maximum damage of the impact was on Coromandel Express. This is the reason for a huge number of deaths and injuries," Sinha was quoted saying by ANI.

"Railways first did relief and rescue work after the accident and after that repair work is being done. There are four lines at Bahanaga station. It has two main lines. There was a goods train on the loop line. The driver had received the green signal at the station. Both vehicles were running at full speed," she said.

Railways launches 139 helpline number

Indian Railways has made special arrangements at helpline number 139 to facilitate family, friends, relatives of deceased persons and passengers stranded in the tragic Train accident in Odisha. A team of senior officers is manning the helpline 24X7 and will provide all the relevant details to the callers after coordinating with the Zonal Railways and State Government.

This service will continue uninterrupted and will ensure prompt disbursal of enhanced ex-gratia announced by Minister of Railways: Rs.10 Lakh in case of death; Rs 2 Lakh towards grievous injuries and Rs.50,000 for minor injuries.

The aim of the Railway Helpline 139 is to provide a helping hand and to give correct and satisfactory information to the aggrieved passengers and their kins in this trying time.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Secy Pradeep Jena clarified that the death toll is 275 and not 288, it was checked and found that some bodies were counted twice.

"Out of 1,175 injured, 793 have been discharged after treatment. The figure will be updated around 2pm," he added.