What is coromandel express accident?

The Coromandel Express accident occurred on June 2, 2023, in Balasore district, Odisha, India. It involved three trains: the 12841 Coromandel Express, a freight train, and the 12864 SMVB-HWH Superfast Express.

The Coromandel Express, traveling from Shalimar (near Kolkata) to Chennai, reportedly entered a loop line and collided with a stationary freight train. Some of its derailed coaches then collided with the SMVB-HWH Superfast Express, which was traveling in the opposite direction on an adjacent track.

The accident resulted in a significant number of casualties, making it one of the deadliest train accidents in India in recent years. Initial reports indicated hundreds of fatalities and numerous injuries.

Rescue operations were conducted involving national and state disaster response forces. An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings suggested a possible signaling error as the cause, but the investigation is ongoing.