(MENAFN- AsiaNet News) As many as five passengers lost their lives and several were injured on Monday (June 17) when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express from behind near New Jalpaiguri in north Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock over the incident on X and said, "Shocked to learn, just now, about a 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 war-footing initiated."
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Providing an update on the casualties, Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Darjeeling Police said, "Five passengers have died, and 20-25 are injured in the accident. The situation is serious. The incident occurred when a goods train rammed into the Kanchanjunga Express."
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also commented on the incident, tweeting, "Unfortunate accident in the NFR zone. Rescue operations are ongoing at a war footing. Railways, NDRF, and SDRF are working in close coordination. The injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached the site."
Efforts are underway to transfer the injured passengers to nearby hospitals, with senior officials on the scene to oversee rescue operations.
The collision occurred shortly after the Kanchanjunga Express departed from New Jalpaiguri Station, bound for Sealdah. The impact of the collision, which happened in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district, resulted in significant casualties and disruption.
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Emergency services, including the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, doctors, and disaster response teams, were promptly dispatched to the site. The coordinated efforts of the Railways, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are focused on ensuring the swift rescue and medical treatment of the injured passengers.
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