Survivor Recounts Horrors of the Odisha Train Tragedy

In a devastating incident near Balasore in Odisha, India, three trains collided, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The 12841 Coromandel Express and the 12864 SMVT Bengaluru–Howrah SF Express, both passenger trains, collided with a goods train close to the Bahanaga Bazar railway station. The toll from this heart-wrenching crash stands at a staggering 261 lives lost, with 1,000 individuals injured. This tragedy has etched its mark as India’s worst train crash of the century, leaving the nation mourning and searching for answers.

Among the survivors of this horrific incident is Anubhav Das, who was traveling in the 1st AC compartment of the Coromandel Express from Howrah to Chennai. Expressing gratitude for emerging unscathed, Anubhav took to Twitter to share his account of what can only be described as one of the most significant train accident-related incidents. Anubhav’s tweets reveal a thread detailing the unfolding events that fateful day, shedding light on the sequence of chaos and devastation.

According to Anubhav’s narrative, three trains were involved in the accident—the Coromandel Express 12841, the Yesvantpur-Howrah SF Express, and a goods train. Initial impressions suggest that the Coromandel Express derailed and collided with a goods train parked on a loop track adjacent to it. The impact of this collision caused the derailed coaches to strike the oncoming Yesvantpur Express, resulting in the complete destruction and derailment of three general coaches. Nearly 13 coaches of the Coromandel Express, including General, Sleeper, AC 3 tier, and AC 2 tier, suffered extensive damage.

Subsequently the derailed coaches hit the oncoming Yesvantpur express on the nearby track. 3 general coaches of Yesvantpur express are completely damaged and derailed. Almost 13 coaches of Coromandel express including General, Sleeper, AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier are completely
3/n

— Anubhav Das (@anubhav2das) June 2, 2023

The firsthand account provided by Anubhav is haunting, painting a grim picture of the scenes witnessed on that ill-fated day. He vividly describes the devastation—a blood-stained sight of crushed families, limbless bodies, and the train tracks transformed into a horrifying scene of tragedy. His recollection emphasizes the magnitude of the loss, with Anubhav estimating witnessing over 200-250 deaths. The images etched in his memory are those that can never be forgotten.

damaged. Not to exaggerate but I have myself witnessed more than 200-250 deaths. Families crushed away, limbless bodies and a bloodbath on the train tracks. It was a sight that I will never forget.
God help the families. My condolences. n/n

— Anubhav Das (@anubhav2das) June 2, 2023

Investigation into the tragedy is ongoing and an official death toll has not yet been released by the Government. In the face of this unimaginable grief, Anubhav extended his condolences and prayers to the affected families, acknowledging the pain and anguish they must endure.