Verbal Duel Erupts Between Mamata Banerjee & Ashwini Vaishnaw at Odisha Train Accident Site

Balasore: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw engaged in a heated exchange of words at the site of a train accident in Balasore district, Odisha. Mamata Banerjee expressed her concerns to the media, stating that she had received information suggesting that the death toll from the train crash might exceed 500.

In response, Ashwini Vaishnaw, standing beside her, immediately intervened and cited the data provided by the Odisha government, stating that the death toll was currently reported as 238. The West Bengal CM reiterated her claim, asserting that the toll was likely to increase as the rescue work for three coaches was still underway.

Mamata Banerjee also highlighted the absence of anti-collision technology in the express trains, blaming it for the mishap. She demanded a high-level investigation into the accident.

According to the latest official figures, the death toll in the train tragedy has risen to 288, with over 900 reported injuries. The injured passengers have been admitted to various hospitals, including Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak, Soro, and Cuttack SCB hospitals.