A Kolkata-bound train, the Kanchanjunga Express, was hit by a goods train in West Bengal’s Siliguri on Monday.
Two teams of the NDRF have been rushed to the accident site. Sources told _CNN-_News18 that at least five passengers have died while 25 have been injured.
The train was on its way to the Sealdah station when a goods train rammed into it from the rear. The mishap occurred after the train left the New Jalpaiguri Station.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “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.”
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote 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, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”
How did the accident occur?
According to railway officials, a container train overshot the signal and hit the rear portion of the Kanchanjunga train.
The train has two parcel vans and a guard coach in its rear that were directly impacted by the collision.
NDRF teams, ambulances rushed to spot
The Northeast Frontier Railway has launched several helpline numbers at various stations.
Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force teams have been rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations while ambulances are on standby for injured people.
The Kanchanjunga Express was en route to the Sealdah Station when a goods train rammed into it from the rear. The impact of the collision derailed two rear compartments of the train, as per the divisional railway manager of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division.
About the Kanchanjunga Express
A daily train that connects West Bengal with the Northeastern cities of Silchar and Agartala, the Kanchanjunga Express is usually boarded by tourists travelling to Darjeeling.
The train route is in the Chicken’s Neck corridor, which connects the northeast with the rest of the country.
An accident on the route can impact the movement of several other trains.
Link to article –
5 dead after goods train hit Kolkata-bound Kanchanjunga Express in Siliguri
