A coach of a train traveling from Delhi to Bihar caught fire in Sitapur on Monday. The incident caused significant alarm among passengers and necessitated immediate emergency response. The fire was quickly brought under control by the train staff and local authorities, preventing further spread and damage. Firefighters were deployed to the scene to ensure complete extinguishment.
In a similar incident, at least many died and 60 others were injured when a goods train collided with the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal's Darjeeling district on Monday morning. The collision derailed three rear coaches near Rangapani station, about 30 km from New Jalpaiguri. The deceased include the goods train's pilot and co-pilot, and the guard of the passenger train.
Rescue operations, involving state and central agencies along with locals, are ongoing to free trapped passengers. The injured have been transported to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and assured swift rescue efforts, while Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims.
Initial reports suggested the passenger train was stationary when the goods train rammed into it, causing severe damage and derailing two rear compartments immediately. Adverse weather conditions have hampered rescue efforts. The incident recalls the tragic Coromandel Express disaster in Odisha last year.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C V Ananda Bose will visit the site to oversee relief operations. The Kanchanjunga Express has resumed its journey with unaffected coaches. Long-distance train services have been diverted, and additional bus services are being introduced to assist affected commuters. Preliminary investigations indicate the goods train may have overshot its signal.
