Former India captain Virat Kohli and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, among others, have conveyed their sorrow over the deadly train disaster in Odisha’s Balasore district, which has killed at least 238 people and injured over 900.

The Friday train disaster involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express, and a cargo train was one of the deadliest since independence.

Authorities in Bhubaneswar stated 200 ambulances, 50 buses, and 45 mobile health units, in addition to 1,200 workers, were working at the accident site. The bodies were being transported to hospitals in various vehicles, including tractors.

Kohli, who is in England with the India team for the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval from June 7, wished for the speedy recovery 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 wishing a speedy recovery to the injured,” tweeted Kohli.

The news of the tragedy devastated India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, rifle shooter Abhinav Bindra.

“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,” tweeted Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist in 10m air rifle.

The train crash, the fourth deadliest in India according to available records, happened near the Bahanaga Baazar station in Balasore district, about 250km south of Kolkata and 170km north of Bhubaneswar, around 7 pm on Friday, prompting the Railway Ministry to order a probe.

India cricketer Shreyas Iyer called the visuals coming from Balasore “shocking”.

“Shocking visuals from Odisha. Praying for those affected by the tragic train accident.”

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag paid his condolences to the families who lost their near-and-dear ones.

“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 Sehwag.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan termed it a “heart-wrenching news”.

“Heart wrenching news coming from Odisha. My thoughts and prayers for the families who lost their lives in this horrific train accident,” wrote Pathan.

Former pace bowler Venkatesh Prasad wrote, “Very pained and anguished by the tragic train accident in Odisha. Passenger safety must be prioritised. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones and prayers for smooth recovery of the injured.”

Former India hockey skipper and current federation president Dilip Tirkey tweeted, “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.”

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