Siliguri: In a major mishap reported in West Bengal, Sealdah bound Kanchanjunga Express (passenger) train got derailed after being hit by a goods train from behind. Reports suggest that two bogies got uprooted, trampled and thrown off the tracks. At least 15 people died and around 60 others were injured after a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express near Rangapani station in West Bengal on Monday.
As per a PTI report, "Three rear compartments of the express train derailed under the impact of the collision from behind by the locomotive of the goods train, railway officials said. Rescue operations are underway at the spot, about 30 km from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station, and the injured persons were being shifted to nearby hospitals."
The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express collided with a goods train on Monday morning near New Jalpaiguri, a senior North Frontier Railway (NFR). There are unconfirmed reports of injury to a few persons in the accident that took place around 9 am.
The 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala collided with the goods train near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has reacted to the massive accident. CM Mamata Banerjee took to X (Formerly known as Twitter) and said, "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, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated."
Kanchanjungha Express runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata.
