As families look for kin, 167 bodies unidentified; Odisha govt sets up helpline, control centre

For those who are still searching for their loved ones, the state government has posted lists and photographs of the dead as well as the injured undergoing treatment at various hospitals, on three websites to facilitate identification. It has also set up a toll-free helpline and a control centre in Bhubaneswar.

Over 170 bodies were brought to Bhubaneswar on Sunday morning and are being kept at the morgues of six private and government hospitals in the city, including 100 at AIIMS.

“After detailed verification and a report by the Balasore district administration, the final toll has been fixed at 275. Some bodies were counted twice,” said Jena.

“The photographs of those killed in the Balasore train accident are being posted only to facilitate identification. None, including media, shall reproduce or publish… without written approval of Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha,” said a senior government officer.

The state government has set up two 24X7 toll-free numbers – 18003450061/ 1929 – to help those looking for their relatives.

A control room has been set up at the BMC-ICOMC tower in Bhubaneswar to facilitate relatives and friends of the victims and injured. Nodal officers have been posted to coordinate with different hospitals and other agencies.

Meanwhile, CM Naveen Patnaik briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the situation, particularly regarding treatment of the injured. He assured that all possible steps are being taken to save the lives of the injured undergoing treatment in different hospitals in Odisha.

Patnaik said that 1,175 patients were admitted in the state’s hospitals, of which 793 have been discharged. “Currently 382 passengers are undergoing treatment in various government and private hospitals. Most of the injured patients are in a stable condition,” he said.