Goods train rams into Kanchanjungha Express near New Jalpaiguri station, several injured
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a social media post, stated that rescue operations are being conducted at a "war footing" level.
New Jalpaiguri: Early Monday morning, a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express from behind in West Bengal's New Jalpaiguri, resulting in injuries to several passengers.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a social media post, stated that rescue operations are being conducted at a "war footing" level. "An unfortunate accident in the NFR zone.Rescue operations are ongoing at war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site," Vaishnaw posted on X (formerly Twitter).
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
A senior railway official informed Hindustan Times, "Rear collision of Kanchanjunga Express has been reported near Jalpaiguri. The details of casualties and injuries are awaited."
Sources indicate that at least two coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express derailed following the collision. The train, which runs between Sealdah in West Bengal and Silchar in Assam, was particularly crowded due to the peak tourist season, with numerous tourists traveling to hill stations in North Bengal and neighboring Sikkim.
#WATCH | West Bengal | Wagon of Kanchenjunga Express train suspended in the air after a goods train rammed into it at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station under Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district today; rescue operation underway pic.twitter.com/rYnEfC3vic — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024
The Kanchanjunga Express was en route from Agartala in Tripura to Sealdah station in Kolkata when the goods train struck it around 8 am.
Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police, confirmed the severity of the situation, stating, "Five passengers have died, and 20-25 are injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchanjungha Express."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and concern over the incident. "Shocked to learn about a tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district.
While details are awaited, the Kanchanjunga Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train. DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue," she wrote on her X handle.
Rescue operations are currently being carried out by local authorities and emergency teams to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers involved.
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