News

Over 280 Dead, Hundreds Wounded In India Train Crash

Published

2 years ago

June 3, 2023

At least 288 people were killed and more than 850 injured in a horrific three-train collision in India, officials said Saturday, the country’s deadliest rail accident in more than 20 years.

Images from the crash site showed smashed train compartments torn open with blood-stained holes near Balasore, in the eastern state of Odisha.

Carriages had flipped over entirely in the crash late on Friday and rescue workers searched for survivors trapped in the mangled wreckage, with scores of bodies laid out under white sheets beside the tracks.

As dawn broke on Saturday, rescue workers were able to see the full extent of the carnage.

Sudhanshu Sarangi, director general of Odisha Fire Services, said that the death toll stood at 288.

“The rescue work is still going on,” he told AFP from the accident site, adding there were “a lot of serious injuries”.

India is no stranger to railway accidents and has seen several disasters, the worst of them in 1981, when a train derailed while crossing a bridge in Bihar and plunged into the river below, killing between 800 and 1,000 people.

But Friday’s crash is believed to be the worst since the 1990s.

Odisha state’s chief secretary Pradeep Jena confirmed that about 850 injured people had been sent to hospitals following the crash, which took place around 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the state capital Bhubaneswar.

“Our top priority now is rescuing (the passengers) and providing health support to the injured,” he said.

Amitabh Sharma, executive director at Indian Railways, told AFP that two passenger trains “had an active involvement in the accident” while “the third train, a goods train, which was parked at the site, also got (involved) in the accident”.

One survivor told local TV news reporters that he was sleeping when the accident happened, and woke to find himself trapped under about a dozen fellow passengers, before somehow crawling out of the carriage with only injuries to his neck and arm.

– Crowded wards –

With so many injured, the injured were carried by both ambulances and buses to any hospital that had space.

SK Panda, a spokesperson in Jena’s office in Odisha state said “all big government and private hospitals from the accident site to the state capital” were prepared to support the injured.

The spokesperson added that authorities had sent “75 ambulances to the site and had also deployed many buses” to transport injured passengers.

At Bhadrak District Hospital, ambulances brought in casualties, with the bloodied and shocked survivors receiving treatment in crowded wards.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “distressed by the train accident”.

“In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon”, Modi said on Twitter, adding that he had spoken to railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to take “stock of the situation”.

Vaishnaw said that he was rushing to the accident site, with rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force and air force working frantically.

“Will take all hands required for the rescue ops,” he said on Twitter.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal offered his “deep condolences” in “this hour of grief”.

US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said: “Our thoughts are with the people of India at this time.”

Despite the latest crash, railway safety — thanks to massive new investments and upgrades in technology — has improved significantly in recent years.

News

NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday

Published

4 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.

NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,

Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.

It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.

According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.

“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said

NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.

According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.

It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.

“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.

“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.

According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.

“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.

“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.

“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.

NAN

News

Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria is set to celebrate 26 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation on Thursday, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has called on all citizens to remain steadfast in promoting unity, peace, and good governance.

This is contained in his felicitation message made available by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Assistant to the governor on Media and Publicity to the people of the state and Nigerians at large in marking the 2025 democracy Day celebration.

According to him, the governor acknowledged the sacrifices of heroes past and the collective determination of the Nigerian people to uphold the tenets of freedom, justice, and accountable leadership.

“The governor said, Democracy Day serves as a solemn reminder of the nation’s collective journey toward democratic governance, civil liberties, and the rule of law.

“According to him, the day also honours the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom .

“He salutes the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people, whose commitment continues to sustain the ideals of democracy.

“He also acknowledges the contributions of past and present leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens who have played a pivotal role in deepening the democratic culture in our country,”said Gidado.

He said that Mohammed noted that Democracy Day also honoured the sacrifices of those who stood firm in the face of oppression and paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic freedom.

“While observing that the day was not just about elections, the governor said it’s about delivering tangible dividends that uplift the lives of the people.

“He reaffirms his administration’s commitment to transparency, inclusive development, and the protection of the rights of every resident of the state.

“Governor Mohammed further calls on the people of Bauchi State to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the progress made so far and to renew their commitment to building a more just, equitable and prosperous society for all,”Gidado said.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12

Published

5 hours ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”

“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.

“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.

Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.

He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.

This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.

According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.

“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”