Odisha Train accident: Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat flagging off postponed following tragic mishap
1 min read 03 Jun 2023, 11:38 AM ISTThe virtual launch of the Vande Bharat Express by PM Modi was halted due to a train mishap. PM Modi will visit the accident site and injured individuals in the hospital.
PremiumThe highly anticipated inauguration ceremony of the Goa-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express, scheduled for Saturday, has been cancelled following a tragic train mishap in Odisha's Balasore on June 2, 2023, as confirmed by Konkan railway official. Later confirmed by Konkan Railway in a tweet . The collision involving three trains claimed at least 233 lives and left over 900 injured.
The virtual launch of the first Vande Bharat Express by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from Madgaon in Goa to Mumbai in Maharashtra, was halted in light of the unfortunate incident.
In response to the train mishap, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has decided to postpone all its programs related to the ninth anniversary of the Narendra Modi government. The BJP had planned a series of events nationwide, scheduled between May 30 and June 30, to mark the government's nine years in office.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced the formation of a high-level committee to investigate the train accident. During a press interaction, Vaishnaw stated that a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted, with the Rail Safety Commissioner also conducting an independent investigation.
Vaishnaw emphasized that the immediate priority is on rescue and relief operations, and restoration efforts will commence once approval is obtained from the district administration. Vaishnaw would be heading to the accident site in Odisha.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a meeting to assess the situation regarding the recent rail accident. The purpose of the meeting is to review the incident and its aftermath. Additionally, it has been confirmed that PM Modi will be visiting Odisha today to personally inspect the accident site and visit the injured individuals in the hospital.
( with inputs from ANI)