Coromandel Express accident: High-level inquiry will be conducted, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

Balasore: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today reached the spot of the tragic train derailment in Balasore district that claimed the lives of 233 people and over 900 injured. He also took stock of the situation.

Railway Minister Vaishnaw said: “Our prime focus is on rescue and proper treatment of the injured persons, and dissemination of proper information of the passengers to their relatives.

“Restoration will begin after clearance from district administration. All machinery required for the restoration work have been kept ready at Soro, Balasore.”

The Union Minister also informed that a detailed high-level inquiry will be conducted and the rail safety commissioner will also carry out an independent inquiry into the accident deemed as one of the worst the country has witnessed in the last 15 years.

Asked about the reason behind the massive accident which also left more than 900 people injured, he said: “The reason can be ascertained only after completion of the inquiry.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also reached the accident site to review the situation and rescue operation.