World leaders extend support to India, condole loss following the Odisha train crash

The train crash occurred in Odisha, where at least 288 people were killed. The accident also injured more than 1,100 people.

ByPTI

Published Jun 03, 2023 | 4:49 PMUpdatedJun 03, 2023 | 9:30 PM

The train crash occurred near the Bahanaga Baazar station in the Balasore district, about 250 km south of Kolkata and 170 km north of Bhubaneswar. (Supplied)

Leaders from across the world, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the Government of India for the triple train crash, that occurred in Odisha’s Balasore district.

The tragedy occurred in Odisha, where at least 288 people were killed.

The accident, involving three trains, is one of the worst in the country and took place on Friday, 2 June, night. The accident also injured more than 1,100 people.

Also read: Odisha 3-train crash among deadliest railway accidents

Japan’s government extends condolences

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the train accident.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives and the injuries in the train accident in the State of Odisha. On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives and their bereaved families. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those who were injured,” Kishida said in a statement.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi also sent a condolence message to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of many precious lives in the train accident in the State of Odisha. I’m praying for the souls of the victims and extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. I also sincerely hope that those who were injured will recover swiftly,” Hayashi said.

Also read: List of Helpline numbers set up for inquiries about 3-train collision

President Putin sends telegram to PM Modi

Russian President Putin expressed his condolences in a telegram to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Please accept our deep condolences over the tragic aftermath of the train collision in Odisha. We share the grief of those who lost their relatives and close ones in this catastrophe, and we hope for a speedy recovery to everyone injured,” says the telegram, published on the Kremlin’s website.

‘Canadians are standing with the people of India’

Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau said at this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India.

“The images and reports of the train crash in Odisha, India break my heart. I’m sending my deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones, and I’m keeping the injured in my thoughts. At this difficult time, Canadians are standing with the people of India,” Trudeau tweeted.

Nepal PM extends deep condolences

Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda’, who is on a four-day visit to India, tweeted, “I’m saddened by the loss of dozens of lives in a train accident in Odisha, India today. I extend deep condolences to Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, Government, and the bereaved families in this hour of grief.”

Also read: Passenger on Coromandel Express narrates sequence of events

Sri Lanka foreign minister: ‘Saddened’ 

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said that he is “deeply saddened” to learn about the train accident in Odisha. He wished for a speedy recovery for all those affected in the accident.

“Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts & prayers are with the families of the victims & those injured. I hope for a speedy recovery for all those affected. Sri Lanka stands with India in this time of grief,” Ali Sabry tweeted.

‘We share your pain and pray for quick healing’

Bhutan’s Prime Minster Lotay Tshering tweeted,” Sending prayers to @narendramodi and the people of India as we hear developments of the tragic train crash in Odisha. May the loved ones find strength, as they come to terms with the loss and horror. We share your pain and pray for quick healing.”

Government of Italy condoles deaths

The Deputy Prime Minister of Italy and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani also expressed condolences on the train tragedy.

“The Italian Government expresses deep condolences to #India for the tragic train accident that occurred today in Balasore. A prayer for the victims and the injured, I hope that those still trapped will be rescued,” Tajani tweeted.

Taiwan president extends heartfelt condolences

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen also extended heartfelt condolences to the victims.

“Taiwan Praying for everyone affected by the train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and hope that rescue operations can save all those in need,” she tweeted.

UN expresses grief

UN General Assembly president Csaba Korosi too expressed his deepest condolence to the families over the tragic train accident.

“I’m deeply saddened to hear the news of the train crash in Odisha, India. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and with the emergency services. Heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of India,” Korosi, the President of the 77th session of the General Assembly tweeted.

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)