The worst railway disaster in history

By Avideep Nandi Majumdar

At least 288 people were killed and 803 people were injured in the worst rail accident to hit India in more than 20 years. The crash occurred on Friday 2nd June, involving Bengaluru Howrsh Superfast Express, the Shalimar Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a good train on the Howrah Chennai main line in the Kharagpur division of South Eastern Railway. The accident occurred when one train rammed so hard into the other that the carriages were lifted high into the air, which smashed off the tracks, apart from being twisted. The other carriage was tossed into the roof  entirely, which crushed the passenger section. Narrating the horrific incident, Sanjay Mukhia, a daily wage worker who was in the Coromandel Shalimar Express said  that he and his fellow passengers could feel the coach toppling.  According to another, several lumps were scattered over the ripped metal wreckage and he also saw 10 15 people falling over him as he was sleeping.  Railways spokesperson said Amitabh Sharma said the rescue operation had been completed and focus was now on restoration work. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw declared the setting up of high level committee to investigate the train crash and also announced a compensation of rupees 10 lakhs for the deceased, 2 lakhs for serious injuries and 50,000 for those who have sustained minor injuries.  CM of Odisha Naveen Patnaik  declared a days mourning to mourn the victims of this horrific clash. PM Narendra Modi and Bengal CM Mamta Bannerjee also express their condolences on twitter and Mr.  Modi also decided to give a compensation of rupees 2 lakhs for deceased and 50,000 for the injured. Ms. Bannerjee has said she is monitoring the situation closely and personally with Chief Secretary and other senior officers.
Due to this unfortunate mishap, 48 trains have been cancelled, 39 diverted and 10 trains short terminated.