The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train on Monday morning near New Jalpaiguri, according to a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR) official. The incident took place around 9 am near Rangapani, close to the New Jalpaiguri station.
The 13174 Kanchanjungha Express, traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, was involved in the collision. The divisional railway manager of NFR’s Katihar Division mentioned there were unconfirmed reports of injuries to a few individuals due to the accident.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on social media platform X that disaster response teams had been dispatched to the site to conduct rescue operations and assist passengers. “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,” Mamata stated in her post.
CM Mamata expressed her concern and assured that all necessary measures are being taken to provide assistance to the passengers and ensure their safety. “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances, and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue,” she added.
Further details regarding the cause of the collision and the extent of the damage are awaited as rescue operations continue.