Kanchanjungha Express train accident: The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train on Monday morning near New Jalpaiguri, a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official said. There are unconfirmed reports of injury to a few persons in the accident that took place around 9 am, the divisional railway manager of NFR’s Katihar Division said. The 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala collided with the goods train near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station, he said. According to reports, at least seven people were killed in the accident.
VIDEO: Kanchanjungha collides with a goods train
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee expresses shock over train accident
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the train accident and added the district magistrate, doctors, along other top officials were rushed to the incident site. "Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in 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," Banerjee said in a social media post.
Railway Minister takes stock of situation
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw responded to the train collision involving a goods train and the Kanchanjungha Express near New Jalpaiguri on Monday. In a social media update, Vaishnaw termed the incident "unfortunate" and noted that senior officials were promptly dispatched to the site. He emphasised that the injured had been transferred to a hospital for treatment. "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," Vaishnaw wrote on X.
Sealdah DM issues helpline number for Kanchanjungha Express train accident
Sealdah DM, in a social media post, has issued multiple helpline numbers so that the loved ones of the victims can connect to the railway officials. "For any enquiry in connection with the rear collision of Train No.13174 - Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express, the Helpline Numbers at Sealdah are: BSNL No. 033-2350 8794 Railway Auto Phone No. 033-238333826," Sealdah DM said in a post.
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