NE NEWS SERVICE
DARJEELING (WB), JUNE 17
A goods train rammed into Sealdah-bound Kanchenjunga Express in Darjeeling in West Bengal on Monday, several peoples were feared dead and injured.
VIDEO COURTESY: CPRO/SR
Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when a goods train rammed from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal, according to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer – Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) reports ANI.
Unfortunate accident: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Meanwhile, in his ‘X’ (formerly twitter) handle Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “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.”
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
Enhanced compensation for the deceased and injured announced
The minister also announced enhanced ex-gratia compensation of Rs. 10 lakh will be provided to the next to the kin of deceased; Rs. 2.5 lakh to grievously injured and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.
Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims;
₹10 Lakh in case of death,
₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
As per Katihar Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Katihar, there could be 10 to 15 casualties while dozens are reported to be injured.
Helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/ctwkZQc5m7
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 17, 2024
According to initial reports, two coaches of express train got derailed after a goods train collided with it from the rear. The incident happened at Rangapani area in the Katihar Railway Division ahead of New Jalpaiguri Junction at around 8:45 am on Monday.
Tripura Transport Minister Sushant Chaudhary said in his ‘X’ social media platform, “Till now no information has been received of the number of casualties.
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,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 17, 2024
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the mishap tool place in Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district.
“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 Banerjee said in a post on X. “The DM, SP, doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the site for rescue, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated,” the West Bengal chief minister said.
Injured persons were rushed to the nearby hospitals. Rescue operations are going on war-footing.
Further details awaited.