Odisha Train Tragedy: 101 Bodies Yet To Be Identified

Around 101 bodies are yet to be identified following the horrific train tragedy, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and the goods train in which at least 278 people lost lives in Orissa's Balasore.

Speaking to ANI, Divisional Railway Manager of the Eastern Central Railways Rinkesh Roy said that around 200 people are still being treated in various hospitals in Odisha.

"About 1,100 people were injured in the accident, out of which about 900 people were discharged after treatment. Around 200 people are being treated in various hospitals in the state. Out of 278 people who died in the accident, 101 bodies are yet to be identified," Roy told ANI.

"Of the total 193 bodies kept in Bhubaneswar, 80 bodies have been identified. 55 bodies have been handed over to the relatives. More than 200 calls have been received on BMC's helpline number 1929. The dead bodies are being identified and handed over to the relatives," he added.

Meanwhile, Odisha police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the train accident that occurred in Balasore last Friday.

The case has been filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Railway Act, including charges of deaths caused by negligence and endangering the safety of persons.

The Railway Ministry has requested the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a probe into the train accident in Odisha, which involved three trains: a goods train, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express.

After ruling out driver error and system malfunctioning, the Railways is now considering the possibility of sabotage and tampering with the electronic interlocking system. This raises concerns about intentional interference in the functioning of the railway infrastructure.