The horrifying train accident in Odisha has left everyone in a state of big shock. The death toll has already crossed 233 mark with 900 others also reported injured as the mishap involved the collision of as many as three trains.
Two express passenger trains collided with a stationary freight train on Friday evening at Balasore in Odisha in one of the country’s worst rail accidents.
But amidst this crisis, inhabitants of Balasore have risen to come forward for help. They were among the first to extend a helping hand in rescue operations. And they did not stop here, large queues of people could be seen at the Balasore and the surrounding hospitals, who had voluntarily turned up to donate blood for the victims.
The injured passengers were rushed to hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro besides Balasore district headquarters hospital, where locals are also providing food and other assistance to the affected.
Young College students and members of different social welfare organisations gathered at hospitals in big numbers to donate blood and more than 3000 blood units have already been collected at Balasore. Even though the NDRF team was working round the clock to rescue people, the Balasore residents also took an active part in rescue and relief operations.
Victims have also appreciated the locals for their helping hand. “The local people really went out on a limb to help us… They not only helped in pulling out people but retrieved our luggage and got us water,” said Rupam Banerjee, one of the affected passengers.
Even Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena while commenting on people coming forth to donate blood said, “People are coming voluntarily to donate blood. I am getting requests from many places so it is a good sign. Since the accident till now, the local people have been providing a lot of assistance to our rescue professionals
On the other hand, teams of NDRF are also working on a war footing in the relief and rescue operations.”Our 6 teams have been working here since last night. Our dog squad, and medical teams are also engaged in the rescue operation,” said Jacob Kispotta, Senior Commandant, NDRF.
Help has been pouring in from all over the country. Already 200 ambulances, 50 buses and 45 mobile health units were working round the clock at the accident site. Even the Indian Air Force has sent two rescue helicopters with medical teams to evacuate critically injured passengers.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with several others expressed their deep grief over the mishap.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who visited the site of the accident announced compensation for the kin of the victims. Ex-gratia compensation of 10 Lakh in case of death, Rs 2 Lakh to grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries has been announced.