Odisha Train Accident: Passenger Narrates Sequence Of Events

Anubhav Das, a passenger on the Coromandel Express that was involved in a horrific triple train crash on Friday, has posted an eyewitness account of the tragedy on Twitter.

In a series of tweets, Das has described how the accident unfolded.

''As a passenger on the Coromandel Express from Howrah to Chennai, I am extremely thankful to have escaped unscathed. It probably is the biggest train accident-related incident.

''Three trains were involved in the accident -- Coromandel Express 12841, Yesvantpur-Howrah SF, and goods train. Initial impressions are that the Coromandel Express derailed and collided with the goods train (parked on the loop track on the side),'' he said.

Das said subsequently, the derailed coaches were hit by the oncoming Yesvantpur Express on a nearby track.

In one of the tweets, he said: ''3 general coaches of Yesvantpur Express are completely damaged and derailed. Almost 13 coaches of Coromandel Express including general, sleeper, AC 3 tier, and AC 2 tier are 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. My condolences.'' At least 238 people have been killed and more than 900 injured in the train crash, according to officials.

At least 288 people were killed and over 900 injured in the train crash involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train.

Rescuers worked throughout the night to pull out survivors and the deceased from the mangled steel of the three trains that derailed one on top of another in a horrific sequence.

The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe.