Tamil Nadu government announced Rs 5 lakh ex gratia to the families of the deceased members and Rs 1 lakh assistance to the injured in connection with the Coromandel Express train accident that took place in Odisha. The tragic rail accident in Balasore on Friday resulted in the death of 238 people and left 900 passengers injured. 

In a statement, CM MK Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu government will be giving Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured. Additional officers have been appointed to carry out rescue and relief work.”

ஒடிசா மாநிலத்தில் நேற்று ஏற்பட்ட இரயில் விபத்தில் நூற்றுக்கணக்கான மனித உயிர்களை இழந்திருக்கிறோம். மிகப் பெரிய துயர நிகழ்வாக நாட்டையே இது சோகத்தில் ஆழ்த்தியுள்ளது.

எனவே, தமிழ்நாடு அரசின் சார்பில் இன்று துக்க நாளாக அனுசரிக்கப்படும். இன்று நடைபெறுவதாக இருந்த நிகழ்ச்சிகள் வேறொரு… pic.twitter.com/XZ2zv2qSOq

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) June 3, 2023

“Arrangements have been made to provide medical assistance for the injured and to bring back the body of the deceased to the state,” said the CM, in a statement.

Earlier, CM Stalin took stock of the situation at the emergency control room set up in Chennai. The state announced helpline numbers 1070, 94458 69843, 94458 69848 (WhatsApp).

The state also announced a day of mourning and postponed former TN CM Karunanidhi’s centenary birthday celebration scheduled on Saturday. 

Tamil Nadu Ministers including Udhayanidhi Stalin and Sivasankar have flown to Odisha to review the situation in the field and to know the condition of the people of Tamil Nadu. 

Before leaving for Odisha, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, “We’re going there to enquire for details. Tamil Nadu CM has spoken to Odisha CM. I will update you after reaching the spot. Hospital facilities are also ready for Tamilians in Tamil Nadu who got affected by Train accident.”

IAS officers from Tamil Nadu have also started the relief works in Odisha. The officers are expected to camp for the next 4-5 days in the state.

Tamil Nadu government has also arranged for special trains to bring back the stranded people. 

ALSO READ: Coromandel Express Accident Live: Death Toll At 238, 650 Passengers Injured, South Eastern Railway Says