5 Dead, 25 Injured as Goods Train Hits Kanchanjunga Express in Bengal
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that doctors and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the location.
Kolkata: Five passengers have died and at least 25 others were injured this morning when an express train collided with a goods train in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. The Kanchanjunga Express, which runs from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata, was rear-ended by a freight train near Rangapani station, near New Jalpaiguri.
Several coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express were derailed in the crash, according to reports. More details about the accident are awaited. One factor that limited casualties is that the rear part of the Kanchanjunga Express consisted of a cargo van and the guard's coach, with the passenger compartments located further ahead.
Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 17, 2024
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that doctors and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the site. "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchenjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated," she posted on X.
The Kanchanjunga Express is a daily train connecting Bengal with the Northeastern cities of Silchar and Agartala. This route passes through the Chicken's Neck corridor, which links the Northeast with the rest of the country. The accident on this line could potentially impact the movement of several other trains.
The Kanchanjunga Express is frequently used by tourists traveling to Darjeeling. The accident occurs when Kolkata and neighboring South Bengal are experiencing a sultry summer, prompting many to travel to the hill station for relief.
As per current reports, the goods train exceeded the signal and collided with the Kanchanjunga Express. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force and ambulances have been sent to the scene. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is reportedly overseeing the situation from the Railways war room in Delhi.
The Railways have released helpline numbers for people seeking information about the situation. The helpline numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 for Sealdah, and 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, and 0361-2731623 for Guwahati.
Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
Mr. Vaishnaw stated in a post on X that rescue operations have commenced urgently. "Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site," he said.
Senior police officer Abhishek Roy confirmed that five people had died and 25 to 30 others were injured. He added that they are evacuating passengers and moving them to safety.
