Odisha Train Tragedy: Here Is What The Train Driver Says

The driver of the Coromandel Express, involved in the tragic train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district, has stated that he proceeded on a loop line only after receiving a green signal. The railways have confirmed that the driver was not over-speeding and did not jump any signals, essentially absolving him of any blame in the incident. The accident, which resulted in the loss of 275 lives and left 1,175 people injured, occurred when the Coromandel Express collided with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express and a goods train near the Bahanaga Bazar station.

Jaya Varma Sinha, Member of Operation and Business Development, Railway Board, emphasized that safety is the top priority for the railways. She assured that efforts were being made to preserve the evidence and protect the witnesses during the investigation process. The driver, who sustained serious injuries, affirmed that the train only moved forward after receiving a green signal. It was clarified that the train was not over-speeding and was running slightly below the permitted maximum speed of 130 kmph.

The railways have confirmed that the direction, route, and signal for the Coromandel Express were properly set. The incident has been identified as a three-train crash involving the Coromandel Express, Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train. The accident occurred in the evening near the Bahanaga Bazar station, situated about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar