Tragedy struck Bengal’s Siliguri on Monday as the Kanchanjunga Express derailed after being hit from behind by a goods train, resulting in five fatalities and injuring nearly 25 others. The accident occurred around 9 am in the Rangapani region, about seven kilometers from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station, while the train was en route to Sealdah station in Kolkata.
At least two compartments of the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express, which was traveling from Agartala to Sealdah, derailed due to the collision. The divisional railway manager (DRM) of North Frontier Railway’s Katihar division confirmed the incident to PTI. Abhishek Roy, Additional Superintendent of Police of Darjeeling, described the situation as “serious”.
“Five passengers have died, and 20-25 were injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed the Kanchanjunga Express,” Roy stated.
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her concern, noting that the district magistrate, doctors, and ambulances were dispatched to the site. “Shocked to learn about the tragic train accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. While details are awaited, the Kanchanjunga 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 a war-footing initiated,” she tweeted.
President Droupadi Murmu, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha also expressed their condolences and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. “The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the success of relief and rescue operations,” the President tweeted.
Vaishnaw emphasized that rescue operations are being conducted on a “war footing”. “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations are ongoing on a 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 tweeted.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha acknowledged the incident and emphasized the state’s efforts in rescue operations. “In a tragic incident, I came to know about the Agartala-Sealdah bound Kanchanjunga Express meeting with an accident near New Jalpaiguri. Three coaches were particularly damaged in this collision with the freight car. Rescue operations have already started. The state government is in touch with the railway authorities to make all efforts for the rescue and safety of the passengers. I wish the injured in this accident a speedy recovery,” he tweeted.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) told India Today that an emergency medical team has been dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations are ongoing despite heavy rain. A special helpdesk has been set up at Sealdah station, with helpline numbers 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 available for those seeking information or assistance. An additional helpdesk is being established at Naihati station to provide further support to passengers and their families. “Sealdah division is sincerely working to address the situation and provide assistance to those affected by the collision. We will continue to provide updates from time to time,” officials stated.
