West Bengal: 5 dead, 30 injured in collision of goods train & Kanchanjungha Express

The dislodged carriage of the Kanchanjungha Express/ PTI

A cargo train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near Rangapani station in West Bengal on Monday, killing at least five persons and injuring over 30 others, according to authorities. According to railway officials, the collision caused three of the Kanchanjungha Express train's rear compartments to derail. The accident occurred about 30 kilometres from North Bengal's New Jalpaiguri station. Rescue activities are ongoing, and injured people are being transported to surrounding hospitals, reported PTI.

A police officer told the news agency, "Five persons have died in the accident till now and around 30 people suffered injuries, which are not fatal."

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw in a tweet on X (previously Twitter) 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."

The PTI report quoted the divisional railway manager of North Frontier Railway's Katihar division saying that the train--13172 Kanchanjungha Express was en route to Sealdah from Agartala when the accident occurred at about 9 am. One of the train compartments had reportedly dislodged and settled over the locomotive of the cargo train.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her dismay in a post on X, writing, "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, and medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated."

A passenger from Agartala, per the PTI report, travelling in carriage S6 of the Kanchanjungha Express reported feeling a sharp jerk before the compartment came to a halt. He alleged that relief and rescue activities had been delayed. "My wife, child and I somehow managed to come out of the mangled coach. We are currently stranded... The rescue operations also started quite late," the passenger told a television channel.