Odisha’s long disaster response experience comes handy during Balasore train accident

Described as the most devastating train accident in the last twenty years, the mishap that occurred near Bahanaga Railway Station in Odisha’s Balasore district involved two passenger trains, one of which was traveling at a speed of 128 kilometres per hour.

Described as the most devastating train accident in the last twenty years, the mishap that occurred near Bahanaga Railway Station in Odisha’s Balasore district involved two passenger trains, one of which was traveling at a speed of 128 kilometres per hour. The potential for a catastrophic loss of life was high.

Fortunately, Odisha’s extensive expertise in handling emergencies proved invaluable in the face of this disaster and the injured passengers were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, resulting saving 1200 lives.

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After assigning different responsibilities to about 10 secretary level officials, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself took stock of the situation at State control room on evening of June 2.  His instruction was unambiguous. Saving lives of injured passengers was now top priority for the government, Mr. Patnaik said.

When Odisha CM was himself in charge of rescue operation, things fell in line. “Immediately after the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on June 2, senior officers including me were rushed to crash site under instruction of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. We had reached the spot by 11:30 p.m. By that time local villagers had already started rescue operation. The expertise of Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire Service personnel sped up the operation,” said Satyabrata Sahu, Special Relief Commissioner.

“Aware of importance of ‘Golden Hours’ for accident victims, ambulances were mobilised in large number and injured passengers admitted in the hospital. We have managed to rescue over 1200 passengers,” Mr. Sahu said.

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