Bengal CM, railway minister spar over Balasore tragedy toll

BHUBANESWAR: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were engaged in a verbal duel at the triple train accident site at Bahanaga on Saturday. There was a clear difference of opinion among the two leaders on the number of casualties in the accident and also on the transportation services provided to stranded passengers.
After visiting the accident site, Mamata Banerjee told the media that the death toll in the accident might exceed 500. The railway minister, who was standing near her, immediately protested saying the death toll is 233. Mamata, nodding her head in denial, said the bodies are yet to be removed from three more bogies following which the toll is likely to cross 500. Reiterating his claim, Vaishnaw said the rescue work has already been completed and the toll is 233.
According to latest official figures, the toll in the train tragedy has increased to 261, while more than 900 are injured.
Mamata said hundreds of passengers were stranded in different stations like Soro and Balasore. Interrupting her, Vaishnaw said shuttles have been operating between Soro and Balasore stations carrying passengers. Not a single passenger is stranded at the station, he added.