Collision with Electric Pole Leads to Derailment of New Jalpaiguri Express in Balasore

In a shocking event that has rattled commuters, the Chennai-bound New Jalpaiguri Express derailed in Balasore, Odisha, after a collision with an electric pole. The incident left several coaches of the train overturned, trapping passengers inside. This accident, which happened during peak travel hours, has led to considerable disruptions on one of India’s busiest railway corridors. Immediate efforts were made to rescue the stranded passengers, and several were taken to nearby hospitals with varying degrees of injury.

While investigations into the exact cause of the derailment are ongoing, authorities suspect that the train may have been traveling at a speed that made it difficult to avoid the electric pole. The collision, which happened in a relatively populated area, also affected nearby power lines, compounding the difficulties of the rescue operation.

Locals who witnessed the crash reported seeing sparks fly as the train made contact with the pole, followed by a series of loud noises as it derailed. The horrific nature of the crash has left passengers and their families reeling, many of whom are now seeking answers regarding the safety protocols in place.

The New Jalpaiguri Express, a vital connection between southern and eastern India, had been running on time until the accident. The derailment not only caused injuries to passengers but also disrupted daily train services, with trains rerouted or delayed for several hours. The state of Odisha’s railway network has once again come under scrutiny, with calls for investment in modernizing infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.