Nearly 50 people on Friday died and 179 were injured in a serious express train accident in Balasore district, as confirmed by the Chief Secretary of the Indian Odisha State Pradeep Jena.

New Delhi.- The incident cropped up while several carriages of the Coromandel Express derailed and subsequently collided with another train coming on the opposite line, officials explained.

Casualty and injury tolls are so far preliminary, as emergency brigades are still working on the scene.

The Coromandel Express train was on its way to Chennai Central Station from Shalimar near Kolkata, officials said.

Pradeep Jena added that the injured were taken to Soro, Gopalpur, and Khantapada healthcare centers, while the deceased are at Balasore Hospital and Medical College for identification. (PL)