ANKARA

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extended his condolences on Sunday to the families of the victims of a passenger train derailment in the eastern state of Odisha, India, and to the people and government of India.

"On behalf of myself and the nation, I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the train accident in Odisha, India, and to the people and government of India," Erdogan said on Twitter.

Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, he added: "Türkiye stands by India to help heal their wounds."

A train accident late Friday in the Indian state of Orissa claimed the lives of some 280 people and left hundreds injured.

The accident in the Balasore district of Odisha was followed by a massive rescue operation involving the National Disaster Response Force, military and other agencies, according to officials.