West Bengal Train Collision: 9 Dead, Dozens Injured in Darjeeling Accident
Early this morning, a devastating train accident occurred in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, claiming the lives of nine people and leaving about 50 others injured. The incident involved the Kanchanjunga Express, which was en route from Agartala to Sealdah, Kolkata, when it was hit from behind by a goods train near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.
Details of the Accident
Three coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express were derailed due to the collision. Fortunately, the rear part of the train, comprising the parcel and guard’s coaches, suffered less impact, which may have helped limit 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
Response and Rescue Efforts
Railway authorities, demonstrating their commitment to public safety, swiftly responded to the tragedy. Railway Board chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha confirmed that the accident occurred around 9 am and stated that rescue operations were promptly completed. The injured were immediately transferred to North Bengal Medical College for urgent medical attention, reassuring the public of the efficiency of the response.
Immediate Government Response
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock at the incident and mobilized doctors, disaster response teams, and essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies to the accident site in the Phansidewa area. She assured that rescue, recovery, and medical assistance, including psychological support, were being provided on a war footing.
Impact on Rail Services
The Kanchanjunga Express, a lifeline connecting Bengal with northeastern cities like Silchar and Agartala, has been severely disrupted by this tragic accident. This route, crucial as it passes through the Chicken’s Neck corridor, linking the Northeast with the rest of the country, is expected to witness significant delays and disruptions, underlining the widespread impact of the incident.
Cause of the Accident
Preliminary reports suggest that the goods train overshot a signal due to a technical malfunction, resulting in a tragic collision with the Kanchanjunga Express. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and ambulances were deployed immediately to assist rescue efforts.
Helpline Numbers and Assistance
The Railways issued helpline numbers (033-23508794 and 033-23833326 for Sealdah; 03612731621, 03612731622, and 03612731623 for Guwahati) for people seeking information about the situation.
Government’s Assurance and Support
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who personally visited the accident site, announced compensation of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, ₹2.5 lakh for grievous injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries. He emphasized that rescue operations were underway with full cooperation from the NDRF, which specializes in disaster response, and the SDRF, a state-level counterpart.
National Mourning and Political Responses
President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep distress over the loss of lives and extended prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his condolences and monitored the situation closely, ensuring all necessary assistance was provided.
The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024
Political Reactions
Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, expressed profound sadness and demanded swift action and compensation for the victims. They criticized what they perceived as mismanagement and negligence in the Railway Ministry under the Modi government. Other political parties, such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have also expressed their condolences and pledged their support in the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Extremely distressed by the Kanchanjunga Express train collision accident in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, where many people have lost their lives and several have been injured.
The scenes of the accident are painful. Our heart goes out to the families of the victims. In this hour…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 17, 2024
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and responsibilities associated with maintaining the safety and efficiency of India’s extensive railway network.
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