Officials report that a multiple train collision in India's eastern Odisha state has resulted in at least 288 confirmed deaths while 850 others have been injured. 

The incident, which occurred in Balasore district, involved one passenger train derailing and subsequently being struck by another train on an adjacent track late on Friday.

It is considered the most devastating train crash in India this century, with authorities expecting the death toll to rise. The Coromandel Express and the Howrah Superfast Express were the two trains involved, according to Indian Railways. Pradeep Jena, Odisha's chief secretary, mentioned that over 200 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, and additional doctors were mobilized to provide assistance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress and offered condolences to the affected families, assuring ongoing rescue efforts and support.

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. A survivor described the chaos and injuries sustained during the accident, while a day of mourning was declared in the state.

Several carriages of the Shalimar-Chennai Coromandel Express reportedly derailed around 19:00 local time. Some of the carriages ended up on the opposite track.

Subsequently, it is believed that the Howrah Superfast Express, traveling from Yesvantpur to Howrah, collided with the overturned carriages.

Indian officials stated that a stationary goods train at the scene was also involved in the incident, without providing additional details.

Surviving passengers were seen rushing to assist in the rescue efforts for those trapped in the wreckage.

Local bus companies were also aiding in the transportation of injured passengers.

Despite successive governments investing substantial amounts of money to enhance the infrastructure, accidents are still common in India, which possesses one of the largest train networks globally, according to Anbarasan Ethirajan, BBC South Asia regional editor.

The most severe train disaster in India occurred in 1981 when an overcrowded passenger train was swept off the tracks and into a river during a cyclone in Bihar state, resulting in the deaths of at least 800 people.