High-Level Committee To Probe Train Accident In Odisha: Railway Minister

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the train accident in Odisha, which has left at least 233 dead and over 900 injured, a "big, tragic incident" and ordered a high-level probe over the derailment of the two trains. 

Vaishnaw on Saturday (3 June) morning visited the accident site where 10-12 coaches of the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express derailed and fell on an adjacent track in the path of another train from Yeswanthpur to Howrah near Balasore in Odisha late last night.

"Railway, NDRF, SDRF, and State govt are conducting the rescue operation. The best possible healthcare facilities will be provided. Compensation was announced yesterday. A high-level committee has been formed to inquire about it," Vaishnaw was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. 

A massive rescue operation is underway at the accident site in Bahanaga Bazar near Balasore to retrieve people trapped in the derailed coaches.

Earlier, the Railway Minister had announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh in case of death, Rs 2 lakh for the grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries.