Скачать или смотреть Coromandel Express accident in Odisha's Balasore

#indianrailways #railwaysafety #stationmaster On 03rd June 2023, the triple train collision occurred in Balasore district, Odisha where Shalimar - Chennai Coromandel Superfast Express, Howrah-Yesvantpur Superfast Express and one goods train collided with each other.
Details of the Accident
Trains Involved:
12841 Coromandel Express (Shalimar to Chennai Central)
12864 SMVT Bengaluru–Howrah Superfast Express (Bengaluru to Howrah)
A stationary goods train laden with iron ore
Sequence of Events:
The Coromandel Express, traveling on the Up main line, was wrongly switched to the adjacent Up loop line due to a signalling error.
It crashed at high speed (around 128 km/h) into the rear of the stationary goods train parked on the loop line.
Due to the impact, 21 coaches of the Coromandel Express derailed, with some coaches spilling onto the adjacent Down main line.
The Howrah Superfast Express, passing in the opposite direction on the Down main line, collided with the derailed coaches of the Coromandel Express, causing two of its own coaches to derail.
Casualties: The official death toll was reported as 296, with more than 1,200 injured. The difficulty in identifying victims was a major challenge, requiring DNA testing for many unclaimed bodies.
Cause and Investigation
Cause: The primary cause was identified by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) report as lapses in the signalling-circuit alteration carried out at the Bahanaga Bazaar station. The report cited "wrong wiring" by field supervisors and a failure to follow standard safety protocols for testing the signalling system.
Investigation: The Railway Board recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, and the agency took over the investigation, initially considering angles of "sabotage" or tampering with the electronic interlocking system.
Arrests: In July 2023, the CBI arrested three railway officials (two signal engineers and one technician) on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence.
Systemic Issues: The accident highlighted a lack of the 'Kavach' anti-collision system on the line and previous warnings about similar signalling errors that were not addressed.
The local community played a critical role in the immediate rescue operations, with hundreds of people donating blood and assisting in relief efforts. Rail services on the affected lines resumed within 51 hours after extensive restoration work.