NEW DELHI: Eight passengers died and at least 25 others were injured when the Kanchanjunga Express derailed on Monday after being hit by a goods train in Siliguri, West Bengal. When the accident occurred, the Kanchanjunga Express was traveling from Agartala, Tripura to Sealdah Railway Station in Kolkata. The goods train struck it from behind near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.
Several train coaches derailed in the crash, according to reports. More details about the accident are awaited. One factor that limited casualties was that the rear part of the train consisted of a cargo van and the guard’s coach, with the passenger compartments positioned further ahead.
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West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announced that doctors and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the scene. “I am shocked to learn about a tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are still coming in, the Kanchanjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. The DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, and medical assistance. We have initiated action on a war footing,” she posted on X.
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
President Droupadi Murmu, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Tripura CM Manik Saha expressed their condolences over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured passengers. “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 the success of the relief and rescue operations,” the President tweeted.
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
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rescue efforts are underway on a “war footing.” He tweeted, “An unfortunate accident occurred in the NFR zone. Rescue operations are proceeding at a rapid pace. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured are being shifted to the hospital, and senior officials have arrived at the site.”
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
The Railways have released helpline numbers for people seeking information about the situation. For Sealdah, the numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326. For Guwahati, the numbers are 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, and 0361-2731623.