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 toll are so far preliminary, as emergency brigades are still working in 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.

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