Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit extends heartfelt condolences over tragic rail accident in India

Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica: Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaving families who lost their loved ones in the tragic rail accident that took place in the Indian state of Odisha, claiming more than 300 lives and over a thousand injured.

PM Skerrit took to Twitter to express his grief over the incident on behalf of Dominican citizens, stating, We share the grief with the People and the Government of India in this difficult time.

Notably, the tragic rail accident involved three trains, including a goods train, Coromandel Express and the Howrah-bound Yeswantpur Express. The incident took place when Coromandel Express, travelling at a speed of around 127km/h, derailed following a collision with the goods train, causing 10-12 coaches to fall on the opposite track.

The accident turned even worse when the Yeswantpur Express approached, only to collide with the already derailed coaches on its track, which led to another derailment of about three to four coaches of Yeswantpur Express as well.

As an official from the Railway Ministry of India noted, the relevant authorities were deployed for the rescue soon after the incident was reported. In addition to this, an ex-gratia amount of INR 10 Lakh to kin of the deceased, INR 2 lakhs for the severely injured ones and INR 50,000 for those who sustained minor injuries was announced by the officials.

To share the grief with mourning families, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, also visited the site of the accident in Odisha’s Balasore, where he met with families and extended his support in their difficult time while assuring that the Government of India will make every possible effort from their end to compensate their loss and the treatment of those severely injured.

Further, Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude towards the global leaders who extended their condolences and kind words of strength for the bereaving families of the tragic rail mishap in Odisha.