Senior railway officials have disclosed that the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, which collided with a freight train at Bahanaga Bazaar station near Odisha’s Balasore, was on the verge of derailing even if the collision had not occurred. The officials stated that the train’s speed of 127 kmph made it impossible for it to safely negotiate the crossover into the loop line. The revelation underscores the severity of the incident and the potential for mass casualties had the disaster not been averted.
While the collision resulted in tragic consequences, railway officials believe that the death toll could have been even higher had the derailment occurred without the freight train collision. The impact of the derailment would have caused significant damage and casualties throughout the train.
Furthermore, the rear coaches of the Coromandel Express, had they derailed, would have also posed a threat to the Yeswanthpur-Howrah Superfast Express, which was traveling at a speed exceeding 100 kmph. The potential for a domino effect and further casualties loomed in the event of a derailment.
This revelation highlights the critical importance of safety measures and proper infrastructure in the railway system. It serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to closely examine the conditions of tracks, crossings, and other critical elements to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such disasters from occurring.
Railway officials have stated that investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of the collision and evaluate the safety protocols in place. This incident should serve as a catalyst for implementing stricter safety standards and improving infrastructure to mitigate the risks associated with high-speed trains.
The timely intervention and efforts of the railway staff, emergency responders, and medical personnel cannot be understated, as their prompt actions prevented further loss of life and provided immediate assistance to the affected passengers.
The revelation by senior railway officials regarding the potential derailment of the Coromandel Express highlights the gravity of the incident and the potential for mass casualties. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and infrastructure in the railway system to safeguard passengers and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
