Scores Killed As 2 Trains Collide In India

More than 50 persons have been killed and 500 others injured as two passenger trains collided on Friday in the eastern India state of Odisha.

Reuters reported that the Coromandel Express, which runs from Kolkata to Chennai, collided with another passenger train, the Howrah Superfast Express, railway officials quoted.

The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and became entangled with the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities said in a statement, according to Reuters.

Local Media reports had earlier said that the crash was between the Coromandel Express and a goods train.

At least, 50 people have been reportedly killed and more than 500 injured as Rescue and search operations were still underway late Friday local time, as footages posted online showed.

Videos show people escaped from toppled compartments following the crash.

Nearly 50 ambulances were sent to the scene in the Balasore district, the state’s chief secretary said.

Anil Kumar Mohanty, a medical officer in Balasore near the crash site, had earlier said that at least 28 people were confirmed dead and 300 injured.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was distressed by Friday evening’s incident, and his thoughts were with the bereaved families.

“Rescue operations are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” he tweeted.

Videos showed some of the surviving passengers rushing in to help rescue those trapped in the overturned carriages.