West Bengal Train Accident: 8 dead, several injured as Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collides with goods train near New Jalpaiguri

The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Monday morning. According to a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official, the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala collided with the goods train near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station.

Several wagons of goods train derailed after colliding with the Kanchenjunga Express. According to the latest information, eight passengers died in the accident.

"We have information about 8 deaths in this accident," said Northeast Frontier Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De.

#WATCH | "Five passengers have died, 20-25 injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express," says Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police. pic.twitter.com/5YQM8LdzLo

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

Meanwhile, Sealdah Eastern Railway has set up a control desk at Rangapani station after the accident of the Kanchenjunga Express train 

"We haven't received any calls yet. Two women had come to inquire..." Senior Ticket Collector, Raju Prashad Yadav was quoted as saying by ANI. 

#WATCH | Goods train rams into Kanchenjunga Express train in Darjeeling district in West Bengal, several feared injured

Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/8rPyHxccN0

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the spot. "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in the 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, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated," she said. — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the spot.

"Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in the 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, and medical assistance. Action on war footing initiated," she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered condolences to those who lost their loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.  

The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024

"Rescue operation completed. The driver (Loco pilot) who disregarded the signal has died & also the guard of Kanchenjunga Express has lost his life. Help desks established at all railway stations along Agartala- Sealdah route, " said Jaya Varma Sinha Chairman & CEO Railway Board.