Early this morning, a goods train in West Bengal's Darjeeling district overshot a signal, resulting in a devastating collision with the Kolkata-bound Kanchanjungha Express. The tragic incident near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri, claimed the lives of at least eight people and left around two dozen others injured. The express train, en route from Silchar, Assam, to Sealdah, Kolkata, had its last three coaches derailed due to the impact, affecting many more carriages.
Chairman of the Railway Board, Jaya Varma Sinha, stated, "Driver and assistant driver of the goods train and guard of Kanchenjunga Express train have died in the incident."
Popular tourist routes affected
Kanchanjunga Express, frequently used by tourists heading to Darjeeling, traverses the Chicken's Corridor, a crucial link between the Northeast and the rest of the country. The route, marked by automatic signals and busy parallel lines, increases the risk of such accidents.
Rescue operations underway
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed ongoing rescue efforts, describing the incident as unfortunate and pledging swift action. A dedicated war room in Delhi has been established to coordinate rescue operations, with teams from Railways, NDRF, and SDRF working in tandem.
Immediate response by state authorities
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the incident and announced the rapid deployment of DMs, SPs, doctors, ambulances, and disaster response teams to the scene. She underscored the urgency of rescue, recovery, and medical assistance.
Efforts to minimise impact
The Kanchanjungha Express, equipped with two parcel vans and a guard coach at the rear, likely mitigated the collision's severity. The Railway continues its efforts to upgrade rolling stock, although the express still operates with older coaches from the Integral Coach Factory.
Also read | West Bengal: Eight dead after freight train collides with Kanchanjungha Express in Siliguri, CM reacts
