On Saturday night, 15 more bodies were found when rescue workers used a crane to lift a locomotive that landed on a passenger car. This states that over 300 people died in the train accident in eastern India – the worst in the 2000s. In addition, more than 900 people were injured.
What caused the train crash?
The passenger train probably derailed as a result of "a change that occurred when the electronic switchgear was working", that is, a type of signal error in the complex system that regulates track change to avoid collision.
This was said by India's Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday, according to DW. At the same time, the minister pointed out that it is not appropriate to provide more details until the final investigation report is released.
Narendra Modi: Will turn over every stone
When Narendra Modi visited the crash site in the city of Baleshwar on Saturday, he said the incident would be investigated from all sides.
"The government will leave no stone unturned," the prime minister said, adding that severe penalties will be imposed on whoever is responsible.
According to Reuters, authorities have promised one million rupees, equivalent to just over 130,000 kronor, as compensation to the families of the deceased. Seriously injured people will receive 200,000 rupees, around SEK 26,000, and those who have been slightly injured will receive 50,000 rupees, just over SEK 6,500.
Several world leaders have expressed their condolences, including Presidents Emmanuel Macron, Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.