Odisha Train Accident: Loco Pilot Of Coromandel Express In ICU, Data Logger Analysis Key To Probe

Coromandel Express' loco pilot G N Mohanty is in critical condition at the Intensive Care Unit of AMRI hospital in Bhubaneshwar. Hazari Behera, the assistant loco pilot is undergoing treatment in the same hospital.

The train tragedy has claimed several lives so far. Several questions are being raised over the data logger simulation evidence which suggests the train took a wrong turn to a loop line instead of main line.

The horrific collision involving the Chennai-bound Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express, the Sir M Visvesvaraya-Howrah Superfast Express and a stationary goods train took place near Bahanaga Bazar station at 6.55pm Friday. The loco pilots of the other two trains involved in the accident are safe.

As per the latest information made available, there are 288 casualties. 56 passengers have suffered grievous injury while 747 passengers received minor injuries.

While the exact cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained, the initial inquiry by the joint inspection team suggests the Coromandel Express had a clear signal for the main line but moved left towards the loop line and hit a freight train which was stationed there.

According to the Loco Pilot Association, data logger simulation suggests that Coromandel Express signalled for the main line at maximum speed. But in reality the train has entered the loop line and collided with the goods train.

Questioning the credibility of data logger simulation evidence, the loco association however said further enquiry will only establish the truth.

A microprocessor-based system, the data logger records all information about the relays, and all activities in the signalling system of a railway station.

The Railways has ordered a high level inquiry into the accident which will be conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, South Eastern Circle.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said "the high level inquiry has been ordered and the report is expected to come within 15-20 days."

According to a senior Railway official, the investigation based on the data logger records will help establish the real cause of a failure that led to the catastrophic accident.

PM Modi Visits Accident Site

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the derailment site and inspected the restoration work. Later, he visited the injured passengers at Balasore Hospital and enquired about their treatment. The Railway Minister is continuously monitoring the restoration work.

South Eastern Railway has run one Special train from Howrah to Balasore at 4 pm to carry the relatives of the affected passengers.

Railway is taking every initiative to complete the restoration work.  

(Note: The earlier version of this story was published based on certain misleading news, information from the local Odia media and our sources from the Loco Pilot Association. This story has now been rectified and updated.)