What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
NEW DELHI: In the recent rail accident that took place on Monday, June 17, at least 15 passengers were killed and 60 injured. The accident occurred in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district when three coaches of the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express derailed after being struck by a goods train.
The incident involved the goods train hitting the rear of the express train, damaging the guard compartment and two parcel vans, along with a passenger coach ahead of the vans. In the TV footage, it can be seen that the impact caused one train compartment to rise vertically. The Kanchanjunga Express, a daily service connecting West Bengal with northeastern cities, is popular among tourists heading to Darjeeling.
Helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/ctwkZQc5m7
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 17, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the incident on Twitter and shared his condolences with those who lost their loved ones; he also informed that the rail minister would reach the site soon.
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
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced enhanced ex-gratia compensation following the accident. He said in a Twitter statement that 10 lakh rupees would be provided to the deceased’s family, while people who suffered severe injuries would receive 2.5 lakh, and ₹50,000 would be given to those who suffered minor injuries.
Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims;
₹10 Lakh in case of death,
₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
He emphasized the need for “Train Kavach,” a device designed to stop trains if they come too close to each other to prevent such mishaps from occurring at the site of the mishap.
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
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also expected to visit the accident site in New Jalpaiguri to oversee relief efforts, stated on Twitter, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated.”
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
On the other hand, Sabyasachi De, spokesperson for Northeast Frontier Railway, stated that three railway personnel were among the deceased. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board said in a media statement, “An initial investigation suggests human error. However, a detailed investigation will ascertain the exact cause.”
Adding further, she said: “The driver and assistant driver of the goods train and the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express have died in the incident. Rescue operations are complete and efforts to clear the tracks are underway.”
India’s railway network is one of the world’s largest, with over 12 million passengers travelling daily through 14,000 trains. This incident comes just after last year’s devastating crash involving three trains in Odisha killed 275 people and left more than 1,000 injured—India’s worst rail accident in a century.
Despite significant investments in upgrading infrastructure and safety measures, accidents remain frequent, often attributed to human error or outdated equipment.
