Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari have expressed deep sorrow over tragic deaths in multiple train collision in India’s eastern Odisha State.
Reportedly, at least 288 passengers were killed and near 900 sustained injuries after one passenger train derailed and its coaches fell on to the adjacent track where they were struck by another train.
In a Twitter statement on Saturday, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives” in the incident.
The prime minister extended his “heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy” and prayed for the injured people’s speedy recovery.
Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 3, 2023
Expressing his grief on the “high death toll”, the Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari offered his condolences to the victims’ families and wished quick recovery to those injured.
Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured. #BalasoreTrainAccident
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 3, 2023
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah labelled the incident deeply agonising.
Meanwhile, a day of mourning has been announced in the Odisha State.