West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said the horrific train accident in Odisha’s Balasore district was the “biggest of the century” and a proper investigation was needed to get to the truth. 

"Something must be behind this. The truth must come out. Why didn't the anti-collision system work?" Banerjee questioned.

Banerjee announced that her government would pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the families of passengers from West Bengal killed in the accident.

She also offered her government’s full assistance to the Railways and the Odisha government. "We have already sent 70 ambulances, 40 doctors and nurses to help the injured," she said.

The railways announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased, Rs 2 lakh for those grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for those who got minor injuries.