Pope Francis recently offered prayers for the victims of a train accident that occurred in India.

“Let’s #PrayTogether for the many victims of the railway accident that occurred … in India,” he said in a tweet. “I am close to the wounded and their families. May the heavenly Father welcome the souls of the deceased into his Kingdom.” 

On June 2, a devastating train accident took place in the Indian state of Odisha, reportedly being one of the most severe incidents in decades. Tragically, this collision involving three train cars resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and left thousands seriously injured, the BBC reported. The incident occurred when two passenger trains – the Coromandel Express and Howrah Superfast Express – collided with a stationary train carrying goods, the BBC said. 

The crash has been attributed to a signal failure and several comprehensive investigations have resulted. These include one by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is considered India's best detective agency, as well as the commissioner of railway safety for the south-eastern circle, and a retired judge. The efforts of these agencies aim to thoroughly examine the incident, determine the causes, and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic crash, BBC reported. 

Reports indicate that the passenger trains involved in the collision were carrying a substantial number of passengers, exceeding 3,000 individuals. Additionally, it has been noted that the stationery goods train was loaded with iron ore, potentially playing a role in the severity of injuries and fatalities resulting from the accident. The presence of such heavy cargo may have contributed to the devastating impact of the collision, according to the BBC. 

“We can’t bring back those we have lost but the government is with them (families) in their grief. This incident is very serious for the government … Whoever is found guilty will be punished severely,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said during his visit to the crash site on Saturday, according to a report by CNN.