The Indian authorities have brought the number of deaths in the collision of three trains on Friday night to 288. The rescue efforts culminated at noon this Saturday and 56 passengers with serious injuries and 747 with minor injuries were also recorded.

Due to the number of casualties, it is considered the worst railway accident of the 21st century in that country.

Authorities warned that the death toll could rise due to the condition of several injured. The state railway is “taking all measures to complete the repair work” of the tracks and remove the derailed carriages, the southeastern division added.

Death toll from train crash in India rises to more than 200

In addition, the authorities have launched a high-level investigation led by the Southeastern Railways Safety Commissioner to clarify the reasons behind the event, unknown at this time.

“This is a serious incident and instructions have been given to investigate it from all angles. Those found guilty will be severely punished,” said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was on the scene.

In Balasore district, Odisha region, a passenger train derailed on Friday night and collided with another train, also involving a third freight train.

The wagons were scattered and left deformed along the tracks, Odisha General Secretary Pradeep Jena told media, forcing rescue teams to spend more than 12 hours cutting through metal to try to rescue passengers alive or remove dead bodies. to put away.

Authorities announced a day of mourning in the state and compensation of more than $12,000 for the deceased, about $2,500 for those seriously injured and $606 for those with minor injuries.

death and suffering

Student Hiranmay Rath, who lives near the tracks, said he had seen more “death and suffering” than he could imagine. “Imagine looking at a person’s crushed body, dismembered arm or leg or pulled out,” he said.

Anubhav Das, a 27-year-old investigator, said he had seen “scenes full of blood, mutilated bodies and a man with a severed arm being desperately helped by his injured son”.

“I lost count of the bodies before I left the place. Now I almost feel guilty,” he said.

A survivor, Arjun Das, told local television that “people were screaming for help”.

“There were wounded everywhere, in the wagons and on the rails. I want to forget the scenes,” he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the scene of the disaster on Saturday and several injured in hospital. “No one responsible” for the accident will go unpunished, the president promised.

“It’s a sad moment,” he told Doordarshan public broadcaster. “I pray that we get out of this sad moment as soon as possible,” he said.

Pope Francis declared himself “deeply saddened” on Saturday and offered his condolences and prayers after the accident.