NEW DELHI: Former India captain Virat Kohli, Olympic gold medallists Abhinav Bindra and Niraj Chopra have been amongst a number of different sportspersons who expressed their grief over the devastating prepare accident in Odisha’s Balasore district, that has killed not less than 261 folks and injured greater than 900.

On Friday night, 17 coaches of the Coromandel Express and SMVT-Howrah Super Fast Express derailed, resulting in one of many worst railway accidents within the nation within the final 15 years.

According to the Railways, the Coromandel Express was heading in the direction of Chennai, whereas the Sir M Visvesvaraya-Howrah Superfast Express was coming in the direction of Howrah with 1,000 passengers.

A senior Railway Ministry official stated that the huge accident occurred after coaches of Coromandel Express derailed and hit a stationary freight prepare on one facet whereas some fell on the alternative rail observe on which SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express was coming from Yashwantpur facet and going in the direction of Howrah.

The SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express hit the capsised coaches and an enormous accident occurred.

More than 200 ambulances together with 30 buses have been pressed into service, Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena stated. He additionally stated that 7 groups of NDRF, 5 groups of ODRAF and 24 hearth service models, native police and volunteers saved up the seek for survivors and our bodies trapped within the heap of mangled coaches all through the evening.

Star batter Kohli, who’s in England with the India group for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in opposition to Australia at The Oval from June 7, wished for the speedy restoration of the injured.

“Saddened to hear about the tragic train accident in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” tweeted Kohli.

India’s first particular person Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra stated his coronary heart goes out to all these affected and their family members throughout this extremely troublesome time.

“Heartbreaking news from Odisha about the devastating train accident. My heart goes out to all those affected and their loved ones during this incredibly difficult ’time. Please, let’s all extend our support and prayers to them. May the injured recover swiftly,” stated Bindra in a tweet.

“Woke up to read the news of the horrific tragedy in Odisha. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of everyone affected. Om shanti,” stated Tokyo Olympics medallist Neeraj Chopra, in a tweet.

Meanwhile, former India opener and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir stated that he’s devastated by the lack of lives.

“Devastated by the loss of lives in Odisha. May god give strength to the families of the victims. Wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. The nation stands with you,” tweeted Gambhir.

“Extremely sad hearing about this tragic train accident involving Coromandel Express in Odisha. Condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for quick recovery of those injured”, wrote Virendra Sehwag in his tweet.

Former India hockey skipper and present federation president Dilip Tirkey additionally supplied his deepest condolences.

“Deeply saddened to hear about the Balasore train accident. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We stand together in support and offer our deepest condolences,” tweeted Tirkey.