The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has announced claims relaxations for victims of the Odisha train accident which occurred on Friday and resulted in the death of at least 288 people and injury of over 1100. LIC has committed to supporting those affected and will expedite claim settlements to provide financial relief.
In a statement, Siddhartha Mohanty, Chairperson of LIC, said, “We deeply saddened by the tragic train accident in Balasore, Odisha on Friday. LIC is committed to supporting those affected and will expedite claim settlements to provide financial relief.”
The national insurer said that in lieu of registered death certificates, lists of casualties published by Railway Authorities, Police, or any State or Central Government Authorities will be accepted as proof of death. A special call centre number (022-68276827) and dedicated help desk was set up to respond to any related queries and to provide assistance to claimants.
The train accident occurred on Friday near the Bahanaga Bazar station in Balasore, a State in Eastern India. The three-way accident involved The Coromandel Express, a goods train, and the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express at Bahanaga Bazar Station in the Balasore district.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Sunday that the accident occurred due to a “change in electronic interlocking”. It is believed The Coromandel Express was mistakenly directed onto a loop line after the signal to enter the main line was switched off. This resulted in a collision with a stationary goods train. The Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, travelling in the opposite direction, then crashed into the derailed compartments, exacerbating the situation.
As many as 17 coaches on the two passenger trains were derailed and severely damaged in the accident, with at least 288 people dead and 1100 injured.
The LIC has promised to take all efforts to ensure that the claimants are reached out and claims are settled expeditiously to the affected families. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the kin of the deceased in the train derailment in Balasore from the CM’s Relief Fund.
