Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s heartfelt prayer for victims of Odisha train accident in India earns praise and goes viral

The recent triple train tragedy in Balasore, Odisha has sent shockwaves across India. Considered one of the worst train accidents in the country this century, 288 people lost their lives while over 1,000 were injured. The catastrophe occurred on Friday, June 2, between 6:50 and 7:10 pm, when the Coromandel Shalimar Express derailed and collided with a freight train. After this, the derailed coaches came under the grip of Yeshwantpur-Howrah Superfast Express.

The loss of human life is always painful because we all are one Ummah. My heart and prayers are with those affected by the train accident in India. , pic.twitter.com/8Rsq2TSEoD– Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) June 4, 2023

Railway officials said that both the trains were carrying over 3,400 passengers when the coaches were lifted into the air due to the collision. One of the carriages was thrown upside down, resulting in the passenger section being reduced to a pile of debris. This devastating accident has caused loss of life, severe damage to property, and has inspired individuals from various backgrounds, including notable sports personalities, to step forward and offer assistance. For example, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag pledged to support the education of children who lost their parents in the tragedy.

While many expressed their condolences, with Indian cricketer Virat Kohli stressing his heartfelt sympathies for the affected persons, Pakistani wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan was also touched by his kind gesture. Rizwan prayed for those badly affected by the tragedy and said, “The loss of human life is always painful as we are all one Ummah. My heart and prayers go out to those affected by the train accident in India.” The tweet quickly went viral, earning Rizwan praise from fans in both countries for his empathy and sensitivity.

According to the chief of the Disaster Relief Force, the rescue operation is almost over. Due to disruption of train services in Bhadrak-Kharagpur railway section on Howrah-Chennai main line, special trains are being arranged from Puri to Howrah to help the stranded passengers.

Meanwhile, the Railway Ministry has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the collision of three trains. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav suggested that a signal failure may have been responsible for the accident, speculating that a change in the electronic interlocking system may have contributed to the accident.