Odisha Train Tragedy: School Used as Makeshift Mortuary Reopens

Balasore: Bahanaga School in Odisha’s Balasore district has reopened after the summer break, following its grim role as a makeshift mortuary during the devastating triple train tragedy. Situated just 500 meters from the accident site, the 65-year-old school was temporarily transformed into a mortuary to accommodate the victims.

After a puja in a new classroom, the school resumed classes for grades 1 to 10. The mid-day meal serving hall, previously used as a mortuary, was demolished, and the classrooms were freshly painted to create a more pleasant learning environment.

However, attendance on the first day was low, with only around 200 out of over 550 students present. Many parents hesitated to send their children back due to the traumatic events that occurred there. School officials and the School Management Committee have been working to reassure both students and parents about the safety of returning.

Balasore District Collector Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde and District Education Officer (DEO) Bishnu Charan Sutar visited the school to monitor the situation. Shinde mentioned that he was following instructions from the School and Mass Education secretary to visit different schools on reopening day.

Sutar acknowledged that many students live on the opposite side of the railway tracks where the accident happened, and they may face difficulties in attending school due to the sealed tracks. However, attendance is expected to improve once the situation normalizes. The collector has also spoken to the Divisional Railway Manager to seek permission for students to attend school, even if it means temporarily pausing their work.

Notably, the Odisha government has decided to redevelop Bahanaga High School into a model school. Considering the children’s mental health, the nearby primary and elementary schools will be demolished, and a new building with modern facilities will be constructed.