Eight people, including three Railway employees, have died and about 50 others injured after an express train collided with a goods train in Darjeeling district of West Bengal this morning. Kanchanjunga Express was travelling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.
Three coaches of Kanchanjunga Express were derailed in the crash. One factor which limited casualties is the fact that the rear part of Kanchanjunga Express comprised of the cargo van and the guard’s coach and the passenger compartments further ahead suffered less impact.
Railway Board Chairperson Statement
Railway Board chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha told the media that the accident took place around 9 am. “The rescue work is complete. The injured have been shifted to the North Bengal medical college and they are being provided the best possible treatment,” she said.
The unaffected front portion of Kanchenjunga Express, she said, will resume its onward journey soon so that the passengers can reach their destination.
Bengal Chief Minister Statement
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said doctors and disaster response teams have been rushed to the spot. “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,” she posted on X.
