A train crash in the Darjeeling area of West Bengal on Monday resulted in at least 15 fatalities and over 60 injuries. Three compartments of the passenger train derailled after a goods train and the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express collided, according to officials. A chaotic search has been underway for those who may be trapped inside the overturned trains due to fears.
Kanchanjunga Express Collision Incident
The Kanchanjunga Express was struck from behind by a locomotive on the freight train. Northern Railway officials estimate that the collision happened at around nine in the morning.
Given that products were kept in two of the Kanchanjunga Express’s three compartments, the officials do not anticipate a large number of victims.
Social media users have been able to view a video of the incident, which shows terrified and panicked people running for cover while the two trains can be seen in the distance. Locals were gathered around the accident scene in another snap.
The incident happened near Rangapani, close to New Jalpaiguri station, on the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express, which was traveling from Agartala in Tripura, according to officials.
The cargo train was traveling from Agartala to Kolkata. Pictures from the accident showed the wagon rolling over the tracks and a Kanchanjunga Express compartment hanging in midair.
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Official Responses and Relief Efforts
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, conveyed her astonishment at the unfortunate event and noted that emergency personnel had been called in quickly. She posted on ‘X’, saying, “While details are awaited… DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site,” and that “initiated” action has meant going to war.
Both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences for the lives lost in the disaster. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is traveling to West Bengal to assess the issue, according to Modi, who also stated that he had spoken with the officials.
The PMO claimed that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) has provided compensation of Rs 200,000 for each deceased person’s next of kin and Rs 50,000 for those who have been injured. The injured people were taken to the hospital as a rescue effort was carried out, Vaishnaw had earlier stated. “An unfortunate incident occurred in the North Frontier Railway zone. The railroads, NDRF, and SDRF are closely collaborating.” He posted on ‘X’ stating that senior officials had arrived at the location.
