Eight people lost their lives and several others were injured after a goods train rear-ended the Kanchanjunga Express in Bengal’s Siliguri. The collision caused at least two coaches to derail, with one coach hanging in the air due to the impact.

 

The Kanchanjunga Express, en route to Sealdah station in Kolkata from Tripura’s Agartala, was struck on Monday morning in the Rangapani region of Siliguri, approximately seven kilometers from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station. The accident resulted in the derailment of at least two compartments, one of which was seen suspended in the air in visual footage.

 

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing the incident as “saddening.” He tweeted, “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 Ashwini Vaishnaw is on the way to the site of the mishap as well.”

 

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division informed PTI that the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express met with the accident around 9 am. Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police of Darjeeling, confirmed, “The incident occurred when a goods train rammed the Kanchenjunga Express.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern, stating that the district magistrate, doctors, and ambulances had been dispatched to the scene. She tweeted, “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, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”

 

President Droupadi Murmu, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also expressed their condolences and wished a speedy recovery for the injured passengers. President Murmu 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.”

 

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that rescue operations are underway on a “war footing,” with the Railways, NDRF, and SDRF working in close coordination. He tweeted, “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site.” He is also on his way to the accident site.

 

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha tweeted, “In a tragic incident I came to know about Agartala-Sealdah bound Kanchenjunga Express having met with an accident near New Jalpaiguri. Three coaches were particularly damaged in this collision with the freight car. Rescue operations have already started. The state government is in touch with the railway authorities to make all efforts for the rescue and safety of the passengers. I wish the injured in this accident a speedy recovery.”

 

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) informed India Today that an emergency medical team has been dispatched to the accident scene, and rescue operations are ongoing despite heavy rain.

 

A special helpdesk has been established at the Sealdah station for those seeking information or assistance regarding the accident. The helpline numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326. Additionally, another helpdesk is being set up at Naihati station to provide further assistance to passengers and their families.

 

“Sealdah division is sincerely working to address the situation and provide assistance to those affected by the collision. We will continue to provide updates from time to time,” officials stated.