Odisha train accident: Bollywood, Tollywood stars express grief over Balasore accident

New Delhi: The world mourned the loss of a large number of lives during a tragic train accident in India on Friday night. More than 230 people died and more than 900 were injured in the collision of three trains one after the other in Balasore district of Odisha.

Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi and Jr. NTR have expressed grief over the Odisha train accident. Chiranjeevi said: “Deeply shocked by the tragic Coromandel Express accident in Odisha and the huge loss of life! My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I understand the urgent need for blood units to save lives. Appeal to all our fans. and Good Samaritans in nearby areas to provide all possible assistance in donating life-saving blood units.”

Shocked by the tragic Coromandel Express accident and loss of life in Orissa! My heart goes out to the grieving families.
I understand that there is an urgent need for blood units to save lives. Appealing to all our fans and Good Samaritans in nearby areas… — Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) June 3, 2023

Junior NTR said: “Heartfelt condolences to the families and their loved ones affected by the tragic train accident. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating incident. May we give them strength and support in this difficult time.”

Heartfelt condolences to the families and their loved ones affected by the tragic train accident. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating event. May strength and support surround them in this difficult time. — Junior NTR (@tarak9999) June 3, 2023

Actor Salman Khan expressed grief over the triple train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district, in which 238 people died and more than 900 were injured. “Deeply saddened to hear about the accident, may God rest the souls of the deceased, save them from this unfortunate accident and give strength to the families and the injured,” Salman wrote on Twitter.

Very saddened to hear about this accident, may God rest the souls of the deceased, give strength to survive this unfortunate accident and give strength to the families and the injured. – Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) June 3, 2023

Akshay Kumar also expressed his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the Odisha train accident. Taking to Instagram, Akshay shared that the visuals of the tragic train accident have left him heartbroken. “Heartbroken to see the visuals of the tragic train accident in Odisha. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. My thoughts and condolences to the affected families at this difficult time. Om Shanti,” he wrote.

It was heartbreaking to see the scenes of the painful train accident in Odisha. Prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. My thoughts and condolences to the families of those affected during this difficult time. Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 3, 2023

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri shared the video on his Twitter, writing, “Sad and very shameful. How can 3 trains be involved in this age and time? Who is responsible? Prayers to all families. Om Shanti.”

Sad and very embarrassing. How can 3 vehicles be involved in this age and time? Who is responsible? Prayers for all the families. Om Shanti https://t.co/6qa5AYufOV
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@VivekGanihotri) June 3, 2023

According to latest South Eastern Railway estimates, the death toll has risen to 238 and injured around 650 in train derailments involving two express trains – Bengaluru-Howrah Express and Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express – and a goods train in Balasore. Passengers have been taken to hospitals in Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro, South Eastern Railway said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the heirs of the deceased. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the ex-gratia amount will be allocated to the heirs of the deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

Several coaches of Howrah-bound 12864 Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express derailed and fell onto the adjacent track. 12841 Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express coming from the opposite direction on a parallel track collided with derailed coaches. Some coaches of the Coromandel Express derailed and collided with a stationary freight train on the third track.