Condolences are pouring in from all over the world for the victims of the horrific Odisha train crash in India. World leaders are extending prayers and wishing a speedy recovery to the victims.
At least 233 people were killed and 900 were injured when two passenger trains collided in India’s Odisha state, making the rail accident the country’s deadliest in over a decade.
The collision occurred at about 19:00 local time (1330 GMT) on Friday when the Howrah Superfast Express, running from Bangalore to Howrah, West Bengal, collided with the Coromandel Express, which runs from Kolkata to Chennai.
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Harrowing images and video footage of the accident showed police officials moving bodies covered in white cloths off the railway tracks. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Odisha CM Naveen Pattnaik have visited the site. Rescue operations are ongoing and authorities are trying to ascertain the identity of those who died in the crash and rescue those trapped.
World leaders extend condolences
Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik declared a day of state mourning on June 3 as a mark of respect to the victims. Meanwhile, world leaders have also extended condolences and offered support.
“The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 3, 2023
“Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need,” Taiwan President Tsai-Ing Wen said in a tweet.
Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need.
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) June 3, 2023
“My deepest condolences to the people of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the tragedy in Odisha. We share your pain and sincerely wish a speedy recovery to all the victims. The EU stands ready to provide assistance in any way we can,” European Council President Charles Michel said.
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My deepest condolences to the people of India and @narendramodi @PMOIndia over the tragedy in #Odisha
We share your pain and sincerely wish a speedy recovery to all the victims.
The EU stands ready to provide assistance in any way we can.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) June 3, 2023
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti offered condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives. He stated that the US stands with India in this time of grief.
On behalf of the U.S. Mission in India, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic train accident in Balasore. We stand with India and the people of Odisha in this time of grief.
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) June 3, 2023
Meanwhile, UN General Assembly President Csaba Korosi has expressed his deepest condolence to the families and the Government of India for the tragic train crash in Odisha.
I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services.
Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India.@narendramodi @DrSJaishankar @IndiaUNNewYork
— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) June 2, 2023