’Guilty won’t be spared’: PM Modi after meeting train crash survivors in Balasore

Mangalore Today News Network

Balasore, June 03, 2023: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, June 3, visited Odisha’s Balasore, a day after a massive accident took place there. He visited the site of the mishap and took stock of the ongoing rescue and relief operations going on. He also emphasised a ’Whole of Government’ approach to mitigating the monumental tragedy.

 

"I have no words to describe my sadness over the incident. It is a difficult time for the families of those affected. May God give us strength to deal with the tragedy," he said.

PM Modi also said that the government will leave no stone unturned to help and treat the injured passengers. "It’s a serious incident, instructions issued for probe from every angle. Those found guilty will be punished stringently," he said.

He spoke to the Cabinet Secretary and the Health Minister, and asked them to ensure all needed help is provided to the injured and their families. So far, at least 280 people have lost their lives in the tragedy, and over 900 have been injured. PM Modi reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations, and interacted with local authorities, personnel from the disaster relief forces and railways officials.

PM Modi was accompanied by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who had earlier visited the site of the horrific train accident. He termed the incident ’tragic’ and said the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the state government and the Indian Army were involved with the rescue operations at the spot.

PM Modi also said that special care must be taken to ensure that the bereaved families don’t face inconvenience, and those affected keep getting the assistance they require.

The massive tragedy took place on Friday night, and involved three trains, the Coromandel Express from Kolkata to Chennai, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and another goods train.

Courtesy: India Today