In a tragic train accident near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, 15 people lost their lives, according to PTI reports although the official death toll stands at five. Additionally, around 60 people sustained injuries. The incident occurred when a goods train allegedly collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express on Monday morning.
The accident happened around 9 am near Rangapani close to the New Jalpaiguri station. The divisional railway manager of NFR’s Katihar Division confirmed that the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express traveling from Agartala collided with the goods train.
In response to the accident, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is traveling to Darjeeling to visit the site. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock over the incident. She stated, “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchanjunga 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.”
Deadly Train Accident in Rangapani area of Siliguri. The train collision happened between A goods train and 13174 AGTL – SDAH Kanchanjunga Express at around 8:32 am#TrainAccident @RailMinIndia @RailNf pic.twitter.com/tFFSJQRFfe
— TanmoY (@nottanmoy) June 17, 2024
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also expressed his concerns, stating, “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations are going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site.”
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The Kanchanjunga Express was traveling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata when the accident happened. The goods train hit it from behind near the Rangapani station. The collision caused three coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express to derail. Fortunately, the rear part of the train comprised a cargo van and the guard’s coach, which limited the casualties as the passenger compartments were further ahead.
This accident has come as a shock to many, especially since the Kanchanjunga Express is frequently used by tourists traveling to Darjeeling. At this time, many people from Kolkata and neighboring south Bengal regions are heading to the hill station to escape the sultry summer weather.
Rescue operations are currently underway, involving the railways, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Injured passengers are being transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Senior officials have arrived at the accident site to oversee the rescue and recovery operations.
