Nearly 300 Killed in India's Deadly Train Crash - Pope Francis offers Prayers and a Local Catholic Diocese Provides Aid

A deadly train crash in India leaves nearly 300 dead and hundreds injured. 
While nearly 300 people are known to have died, bodies continue to be pulled from the wreckage.

Let’s #PrayTogether for the many victims of the railway accident that occurred two days ago in India. I am close to the wounded and their families. May the heavenly Father welcome the souls of the deceased into his Kingdom.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) June 4, 2023

A local Catholic hospital and social outreach agency are helping passengers, most of whom come from other Indian states. Bombay's Cardinal Oswald Gracias offered the condolences of the country’s Church, which stands by the families, pained to see so much suffering. In a telegram, Pope Francis expressed his own sorrow and closeness to the victims and their families; he requested everyone to pray for the victims and families during his Angelus and on his Twitter account (see above).

 The Coromandel Express, the train that links Shalimar to Chennai, derailed on June 2nd, at around 7 pm, near the Bahanaga Bazar station, south of Balasore (northern Odisha), colliding with the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express train, which was coming from the opposite direction.

Following the news of the accident, the Diocese of Balasore organised in the middle of the night to bring aid and relief to the victims of what with the passing of the hours is likely to be one of the world’s worst railway tragedies in recent times.

Pope Francis also issued a statement through a telegram sent on his behalf by Secretary of State, Card Piero Parolin, to Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India.

The message reads: “Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the loving mercy of the Almighty, he (the pontiff) sends heartfelt condolences to those who mourn their loss. His holiness likewise offers prayers for the many injured and for the efforts of the emergency service personnel.”

Soon after the accident, the Jyoti Hospital, a multi-specialty charitable hospital run by the Diocese of Balasore, geared up for emergency surgery and medical services to injured passengers, as well as food and water to the people who accompanied them.

The hospital’s director, Father Peter, and some religious sisters went to the scene of the accident to help rescue and relief work, amid an apocalyptic scene.
“Most people are from Jharkhand, West Bengal, Bihar and other parts of Odisha,” said Fr Roy. “We are offering medical assistance, water, food rations and helping people get in touch with their families and console them in their trauma.
Source: Asia News