Odisha Train Accident: Bahanaga Bazar Station Sealed; No Train Halt For Now

In the aftermath of a devastating triple-train crash near Bahanaga Bazar station in Odisha, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has assumed control of the investigation.

In a significant development, the CBI has sealed the Bahanaga Bazar railway station, suspending all train halts at the station until further notice, according to a railway official speaking to PTI news agency on Saturday.

The accident, which occurred on June 2 in Balasore district, involved two passenger trains and a goods train, resulting in a staggering loss of life. Reports indicate that 288 people tragically lost their lives, with over 1,200 sustaining injuries.

Aditya Kumar Chaudhary, the Chief Public Relations Officer of South Eastern Railway, revealed that the CBI has sealed the station and taken possession of crucial evidence, including the log book and relay panel. Chaudhary further said, "The relay interlocking panel has been sealed, prohibiting staff access to the signaling system. As a result, no passenger or goods train will make a stop at Bahanaga Bazar until further instructions are provided."

After 51 hours of restoration work, train services resumed at the accident site on June 5.

The CBI's intervention came after railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw identified a change in the electronic interlocking system as the "root cause" of the triple train disaster. Consequently, the investigative agency initiated a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The minister said that individuals involved in "criminal acts" bear responsibility for the accident. Railway officials hinted at the possibility of "sabotage" and tampering with the electronic interlocking system.

In the midst of this tragedy, efforts are underway to identify and repatriate the victims. Out of the 288 deceased, 200 bodies have been identified and returned to their families. Meanwhile, at least 80 bodies remain unclaimed and unidentified at the morgue of Bhubaneswar AIIMS. Providing some solace to the affected, Chaudhary disclosed that the railways have already granted ex-gratia compensation to 709 injured passengers out of the total 1,200.