Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train near New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India resulting in the tragic death of a loco pilot and injuries to several passengers.
In a devastating incident on Monday morning, the Sealdah-bound 13174 Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train near New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, resulting in the tragic death of a loco pilot and injuries to several passengers. The collision, which occurred around 9 am near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station, has left the local community and authorities in shock.
The collision involved the 13174 Kanchanjungha Express, traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, and a goods train. The impact of the crash was severe, with reports indicating that at least two coaches of the Kanchanjungha Express were derailed. One compartment of the train was seen suspended in the air, highlighting the severity of the collision. Videos circulating on local media showed a pile-up between the two trains, with rescue workers and locals rushing to the scene to assist.
The accident has claimed the life of the loco pilot, with at least 16 people reported to be seriously injured. There are unconfirmed reports of additional injuries as rescue operations continue. The divisional railway manager of NFR’s Katihar Division confirmed the collision, noting the extent of the damage and the ongoing rescue efforts.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and condolences via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). She announced that disaster response teams, along with doctors, ambulances, and senior officials, have been dispatched to the site to conduct rescue operations and provide assistance to the affected passengers. “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, Kanchanjungha Express has reportedly been hit by a goods train,” Mamata Banerjee stated. She emphasized that action on a war footing had been initiated to manage the crisis.
Railway Minister Mr. Ashwini Vaishnaw also took to social media to inform the public about the ongoing rescue operations. “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 the site,” he posted.
In the wake of the accident, the Railways have released several helpline numbers for people seeking information about the situation:
– Sealdah: 033-23508794, 033-23833326
– Guwahati: 03612731621, 03612731622, 03612731623
Impact on Train Services and Passengers
The Kanchanjungha Express is a vital daily train service that connects Bengal with the Northeastern cities of Silchar and Agartala. This route runs through the Chicken’s Neck corridor, a critical connection between the Northeast and the rest of the country. The accident on this line has the potential to disrupt the movement of several other trains, affecting many passengers.
The train is frequently used by tourists traveling to the popular hill station of Darjeeling. With Kolkata and neighboring South Bengal experiencing a hot summer, many tourists had planned trips to the cooler climes of Darjeeling, making this incident particularly tragic.
The local community, along with rescue workers, has shown commendable support in the immediate aftermath of the collision. Videos from the scene depict locals assisting rescue workers in managing the chaos and helping the injured. The full extent of the casualties and the cause of the collision are still under investigation, with more details expected to emerge as the rescue and recovery operations progress.
Summary
This tragic accident has underscored the need for stringent safety measures and prompt response mechanisms in railway operations. As rescue efforts continue and authorities investigate the cause of the collision, the priority remains the safety and well-being of the passengers and railway staff.
For readers seeking more information, staying updated through official railway announcements and helpline numbers is recommended. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rail safety and the critical role of emergency response teams in mitigating the impact of such disasters.