Eight people, including three railway employees, have died and about 50 others were injured after an express train collided with a goods train in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal this morning. Kanchenjunga Express was traveling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdh in Kolkata when a goods train was hit from behind near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.
Cargo van, Guard’s coach, worked as shock absorber
Three coaches of Kanchanjunga Express were derailed in the crash. One factor that limited casualties was the fact that, the rear part of Kanchanjunga Express comprised of the cargo van, the guard’s coach, and the passenger compartments further ahead suffered less impact. Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha said that the accident took place around 9 am. The rescue work has been completed. The injured were rushed to the North Bengal Medical College, and they are being provided with the best treatment.
Also Read | Amit Shah To Chair High-level Meeting On Manipal Crisis
Route of Kanchanjunga Express
The Kanchanjunga Express is a daily train that connects with the northeastern cities of Silchar and Agartala. This route is considered as Chicken’s Neck Corridor, which connects the Northeast with the rest of the country.
Bengal Chief Minister expressed her Concern
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took to her X (formerly known as Twitter) and said that she was shocked to learn about the tragic accident in the Phansidwa area of Darjeeling district. However, even though she was waiting for the details, the Kanchenjunga Express was hit by a goods train. She added that the action will be initiated soon.
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
Frequent Travellers of Kanchanjunga Exp.
The Kanchanjunga Express is used by tourists traveling to Darjeeling. The accident took place in Kolkata and neighbouring South Bengal, reeling under a sultry summer and many were traveling to the hill station for some relief. According to the information, the goods train overshot the signal and crashed the Kanchanjunga Express. The National Disaster Response Force and ambulances had been rushed to the spot.
The Railway helpline numbers
The railways have launched helpline numbers through which one could seek information. The numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 (Sealdah) and 03612731621, 03612731622, and 03612731632 at Guhwati.
Railway Minister on the incident
The Railway Minister tweeted on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the accident was unfortunate in the NFR Zone. The rescue operations are underway. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured have been shifted to the hospitals. Ashwini Vaishnaw has also left for the spot. The Railway Ministry will be giving compensation of INR 10 lakh to each family of the victims, INR 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and INR 50,000 for minor injuries. Sabyasachi De, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, said that there was no notification about the diversion or cancellation of the train, he added that accident relief is on its way.
Leaders expressed their grief on Accident
- President Droupadi Murmu expressed that news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal has left her deeply stressed. She has extended her heartfelt condolences to the family. She has prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and the success of the relief and rescue operations.
The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 17, 2024
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families. He has also prayed for the earliest possible. The PM has spoken to officials and took stock of the situation.
The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024
- The congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge said he was extremely distressed by the train accident. The scenes of the accident have been painful. His heart goes out to the families and victims. During this hour of grief, he expressed his solidarity and condolences to each one of them. He wished everyone a speedy recovery for the injured. Immediate and full compensation must be provided to the victims, he stated.
Extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured.
The scenes of the accident are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. In this hour…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 17, 2024
About Author
This Article has been written by Ms Vijaya Pramodini SK, an aspiring journalist, who is currently dedicated to her studies in Journalism and communication. With a keen eye for authenticity, she strives to uncover and present the real facts, embodying the principles of ethical journalism.
