In a tragic incident on Monday morning, the Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train near New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. A senior official from North Frontier Railway (NFR) confirmed the accident, which occurred around 9 am near Rangapani, close to the New Jalpaiguri station, according to PTI.
Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Casualties
Initial reports indicate at least five passengers have died. Local police reported around 30 injuries. The exact number of casualties is still unknown as rescue operations continue.
Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Helpline Numbers
Injured passengers and their family members can seek assistance by calling the following numbers:
– Sealdah Help Desk: 033-23508794, 033-23833326
– GHY Station Helpline: 03612731621
– Guwahati Station Helplines: 0361-2731621, 0361-2731622, 0361-2731623
– Katihar Helplines: 9002041952, 9771441956
– Lumding Helpline Numbers: 03674263958, 03674263831, 03674263120, 03674263126, 03674263858
Train accident in NFR zone.
A Container Train hit the rear portion of Kanchanjunga Express.
Help Desk numbers at Sealdah in connection with the Kanchanjunga train collision:-
033-23508794
033-23833326@RailMinIndia @MIB_India @airnewsalerts— Akashvani आकाशवाणी (@AkashvaniAIR) June 17, 2024
Kanchanjunga Express Accident: How the Accident Happened
Reports suggest the accident resulted from a signaling error, causing the goods train to overshoot the signal. Both trains ended up on the same track, leading to the collision. Further details about the cause and extent of the damage are awaited. A bogie was mangled after the Kanchanjungha Express collided with the freight train.
Kanchanjunga Express Accident: Statements from Bengal CM and Rail Minister
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock on social media platform X, stating: “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident, in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchanjungha Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train.” She added, “DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue.”
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.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw commented: “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.”