In a tragic incident on Saturday, a special Bengaluru-Howrah train with 17 coaches arrived at Howrah station, carrying passengers who had sustained lesser injuries in a mishap near Balasore in Odisha district.
Passenger Relief Efforts
According to state secretariat Nabanna sources, a total of 635 passengers were brought back to West Bengal and provided first aid at Howrah station before being released. A platform at Howrah station was transformed into a medical camp, where doctors attended to the injured and provided necessary treatment. As of the reporting time, 25 individuals from West Bengal were admitted to a hospital in Odisha, while 11 were admitted to hospitals in West Bengal, as stated by Nabanna sources.
Survivors' Accounts:
Several passengers who had escaped with minor injuries shared their harrowing experiences with the Free Press Journal, describing their "Nightmarish Friday night."
Acts of Bravery
Nasirul Islam Mandal, who sustained a hand injury, focused on rescuing others trapped in the calamity rather than his own pain. He recounted his efforts to save Aklima Bibi and her sister, seeking help from locals. Initially met with reluctance, he eventually experienced the pain in his hand, gradually losing strength. Nasirul and the rescued sisters were initially taken to a local hospital, but due to inadequate infrastructure, they decided to seek treatment at Medical College in Kolkata.
A Shocking Experience
Sayantani Ghosh from Kolkata, who fortunately escaped injury, is still in a state of shock. She vividly remembers the sudden jerk while she was guiding her child towards her husband. Within moments, sparks of fire emerged in an adjacent bogie, and she noticed some locals looting passengers' belongings. Ghosh expressed gratitude for their survival but shared that the unforgettable experience continues to haunt her.
Struggling to Comprehend
Tanaya Pal, traveling from Kharagpur to Vijayawada, mentioned that her son sustained a minor injury but is still grappling with the comprehension of the incident. She called her brother to inform him about the derailment and realized that only her bogie had light. Initially unable to understand the situation, they were eventually rescued by her brother's friend. Pal expressed hope that no one ever has to witness such a distressing event.
As investigations continue into the train mishap, survivors' accounts shed light on the terrifying moments they endured and the lasting impact it has had on their lives.
