India’s deadliest train crash in 20 years took place in Odisha on June 2, 2023, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a stationary goods train, which killed at least 233 persons and wounded more than 900 at the time of writing.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of railways, announced the creation of a high-level commission to look into the collision. The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force, NDRF units, fire rescue teams, medical professionals, police officers, and ambulances were dispatched to the scene as part of continuing rescue efforts.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has proclaimed a one-day state of mourning for the victims and ordered a probe into the crash. Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of a high level conference, that will evaluate the circumstances surrounding the rail accident.

“Distressed by the train accident in Odisha. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. Spoke to Railway Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw and took stock of the situation. Rescue ops are underway at the site of the mishap and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” Modi tweeted.