Balasore Train Tragedy: Refrigerated Trucks Used for Bodies as Morgues Reach Maximum Capacity

Bhubaneswar: In the aftermath of the devastating train collision in Balasore, Odisha, a sense of normalcy is gradually returning to the area. However, the tragedy continues to take its toll on the families of the victims, who now face the distressing reality of their loved ones’ bodies being stored in refrigerated trucks. The accident, involving three trains, claimed the lives of 288 people and left more than 900 injured. The majority of the bodies were transported to Bhubaneswar, but 83 remain unidentified. With mortuaries reaching capacity, railway authorities have resorted to preserving some of the bodies in refrigerated trucks stationed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhubaneswar.

Preservation of the decomposing bodies through refrigeration is crucial since they cannot be released to the families until DNA tests are conducted for identification purposes. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena have issued appeals for people to step forward and identify their loved ones. DNA tests are being carried out to ensure accurate matching of bodies with their respective families. Railway authorities have also instructed officials in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar to assist in the identification process. However, the task of preserving the bodies until the legal procedures are completed poses a significant challenge for the railway officials.

A senior doctor from AIIMS in New Delhi has expressed concerns about the extended preservation of damaged bodies, as even embalming may not be effective. A Shariff, the Head of the Department of Anatomy at AIIMS, stated that correct embalming within 12 hours is necessary to preserve a body for an extended period, possibly years.

To investigate the accident, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrived at the accident site. The collision involved the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train. The CBI has filed a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, focusing on possible sabotage and tampering with the interlocking system as potential causes of the accident.