Team India batter Virat Kohli expressed his condolences on the tragic train accident in Odisha, which has resulted in death of at least 233 people, while injuring more than 900. The accident took place in the Balasore district, as three trains derailed one on top of another in a horrific sequence.
Taking to his official Twitter account, Kohli wrote, “Saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The train crash 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. Several coaches of the 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, on the way to Howrah, derailed and fell on adjacent tracks, an official said.
Harbhajan Singh, India’s former off-spinner, also extended his condolences on Twitter. “Pained to know about railway accident in Odisha involving Coromandel express and another passenger train. Thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their near and dear ones. Appeal @RailMinIndia & Govt. of Odisha to rescue the passengers at the earliest,” wrote Harbhajan.
India great VVS Laxman, who is currently the head of cricket at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, wrote, “Extremely disheartening to learn about this very unfortunate accident in Odisha. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured and offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost their loved ones.”
Virender Sehwag, the star former opener, also expressed grief. “Extremely sad hearing about this tragic train accident involving Coromandel Express in Odisha. Condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for quick recovery of those injured,” he wrote.
Officials in Bhubaneswar said 115 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units were working at the accident site, besides 1,200 personnel. The bodies were being taken to the hospitals in all kinds of vehicles, including tractors.
