“Around 55 people have lost their lives in the state till now. The death toll might go up. Restoration work is being done on a war footing. Chandigarh-Shimla 4-lane highway along with other arterial roads has been opened," CM Sukhu said.
Officials said that the machine was being used in the construction of Phase III of the Samruddhi Express Highway late at night. Initial reports confirmed the death of 14 workers while three others were injured.
A local JUI-F leader was also among those killed in the explosion that took place at the workers’ convention in Bajaur’s Khar, the district emergency officer told Geo News.
"A 35-year-old accident victim namely Shoab Mansoor died during treatment due to sudden cardiac arrest in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack," Dr Sudhanshu Shekhar Mishra, Superintendent said.
"The bogies are severely damaged and they have been compressed from various sides. That's why it is taking time in cutting the bogies. We discussed that we have to do it very professionally," Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena said.
"As per the information received till now, there are 238 casualties. Around 650 injured passengers have been taken to the Hospitals of Gopalpur, Khantapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Soro," the South Eastern Railway said.