ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has expressed heartfelt condolences to the hundreds of Indian families who have lost their loved ones in a tragic three-train collision in Odisha state. The incident, which is the deadliest rail accident in India in over 20 years, has claimed the lives of 288 people, with additional fatalities expected. Over 900 individuals have been reported injured in the accident.
The state of Odisha has declared Saturday as a day of state mourning as a mark of respect to the victims. The crash site near Balasore in the eastern state is filled with debris, with some train carriages flung far from the tracks and others completely overturned. The impact of the collision tore open train compartments, leaving blood-stained holes in their sides.
Pakistan’s PM Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Loss of Lives
In a statement, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the loss of hundreds of lives in the Indian train accident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Deeply saddened by the loss of hundreds of lives in a train accident in India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. Prayers for speedy recovery of the injured.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 3, 2023
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his sorrow upon learning about the tragic incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims while wishing a swift recovery to the injured.
Saddened to learn of the high death toll in the tragic train accident in Odisha, India. Our condolences for the families of the victims. Wish speedy recovery to the injured. #BalasoreTrainAccident
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 3, 2023
The disaster unfolded when an express train traveling north from Bengaluru to Kolkata derailed and fell onto the adjacent southbound track. Shortly after, the Coromandel Express heading from Kolkata to Chennai collided with the wreckage, with some of its coaches also hitting a parked goods train nearby.
The entire Pakistani nation stands in solidarity with India during this difficult time, sharing in the grief and pain caused by this devastating accident.
