In a devastating incident, nine people lost their lives and around 50 passengers were injured when a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express near Rangapani station in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The passenger train, which was en route to Kolkata from Assam’s Silchar, was struck from behind by the goods train, causing a major derailment.
The collision occurred close to New Jalpaiguri, and the impact was severe enough to derail two coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express, which operates daily, connecting Bengal with the Northeastern cities of Silchar and Agartala. This particular route runs through the strategic Chicken’s Neck corridor, a narrow stretch that links the Northeast with the rest of India.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw immediately responded to the incident, traveling to the accident site on a motorbike to oversee the rescue operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also been apprised of the situation and is closely monitoring the developments.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and grief over the accident. In a post on X, she wrote, “Shocked to learn, just now, about a tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, the 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.”
The immediate aftermath of the collision saw a flurry of rescue efforts. Emergency services, including medical teams and disaster response units, were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and manage the situation. The derailed coaches made the rescue operations challenging, but efforts continued throughout the day to ensure all passengers were accounted for and received the necessary medical attention.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and confusion as passengers tried to comprehend the sudden impact. “It was like an explosion, and then there was darkness. People were screaming and trying to find their way out,” said one survivor. The railway authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
The Kanchanjunga Express is a vital link for passengers traveling between Bengal and the Northeastern states. The disruption of this service is expected to have a significant impact on travel in the region. The railway authorities are working to restore normalcy and clear the tracks as quickly as possible.
This tragic accident has once again highlighted the importance of railway safety in India, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures and better maintenance of railway infrastructure. The families of the deceased and injured are receiving support from both government and non-governmental organizations, as the community comes together to help those affected by this calamity.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing relief to the victims and their families. The central and state governments have assured all possible assistance to those affected by this tragic incident, emphasizing their commitment to improving railway safety and preventing such tragedies in the future.
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