PM Roosevelt Skerrit sends condolences to India as over 300 lives lost in tragic rail accident

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica- Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash that took place in Odisha in which more than 300 people were killed.

The accident which took place in Odisha’s Balasore district on Friday night involving three trains has been recognised as one of the worst in India. The injuries due to the accident were reported to be more than 900 people. 

On his official Twitter account, PM Roosevelt Skerrit expressed profound sadness at the loss and said that during this time of grief, the people of Dominica stand united with the government of India and its citizens. He tweeted, “The Govt and the people of Dominica send heartfelt condolences to the People and the Govt of India on the Tragic Train Accident in Odisha. We share in your grief as you navigate through this difficult time.” 

According to an official from the railway ministry of India, in a horrific incident, the Coromandel Express was derailed on the main line after colliding with a goods train. The collision took place when the train was travelling at approximately 127 km/h, met with the goods train. 

The 10 to 12 coaches of the Coromandel Express fall onto the opposite track following their derailment. Subsequently, the Howrah-bound Yesvantpur Express, which approached from the opposite direction, collided with the derailed coaches. The collision further led to the derailment of three to four coaches of Yesvantpur Express, adding another crash to the incident. 

The authorities started the rescue operation after the incident and announced an ex-gratia of INR. 10 lakh to the kin of the deceased, INR. 2 lakhs to those severely injured, and INR. 50,000 to the people who sustained minor injuries.

Prime Minister of India- Narendra Modi, also visited Odisha’s Balasore to inspect the site of the incident and extended full support to the affected people. He said that the government will leave no stone unturned for the treatment of those injured. The railway is working toward track restoration. 

During his visit, PM Modi also met with the injured victim. While extending condolences, he said, “Deeply moved by the condolence messages from world leaders on the train mishap in Odisha. Their kind words will give strength to the bereaved families. Gratitude for their support.”

The leaders from across the globe mourned the tragic deaths of the people of India in the incident and extended their grief on the loss.