8 Dead, 25 Injured in Train Accident , After Goods Train Hits Kanchanjunga Express in Bengal
This morning in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, a tragic train accident occurred when the Kanchanjunga Express, traveling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata, was struck from behind by a goods train near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri. The collision resulted in the deaths of eight passengers and left at least 25 others injured.
Several coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express were derailed in the crash, according to initial reports. More details about the accident are still awaited. Fortunately, the number of casualties was limited because the rear part of the Kanchanjunga Express consisted of a cargo van and the guard’s coach, with the passenger compartments located further ahead.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that doctors and disaster response teams have been dispatched to the site of the accident. She expressed her shock over the incident, saying, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are still emerging, the Kanchenjunga Express was reportedly hit by a goods train. The District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, doctors, ambulances, and disaster response teams have been sent to the site for rescue and recovery operations, and to provide medical assistance. We have initiated action on a war footing.” She shared this update 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
The Kanchanjunga Express is a daily train that connects Bengal with the North eastern cities of Silchar and Agartala, running through the Chicken’s Neck corridor, a vital link between the Northeast and the rest of the country. This accident on the line could potentially disrupt the movement of several other trains in the region.
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 on which people could seek information about the situation. The numbers are 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 (Sealdah) and 03612731621, 03612731622 and 03612731623 at Guwahati.
