The Kanchanjungha Express destined for Sealdah collided with a goods train near New Jalpaiguri, causing the death of at least 9 people and injuring 60 others. The divisional railway manager of NFR's Katihar Division stated that the 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala collided with the cargo train near Rangapani, approximately seven kilometres away from the New Jalpaiguri station, at around 9 a.m. on June 17. The 9 dead include the loco-pilot, the motorman of the goods train and the guard of the express train.
Latest Updates:
- The downline of the Kanchenjunga Express was entirely restored on June 18, 2024, at about 07:30 am. The uninjured segment of the train had previously reached Malda town.
- The death toll has increased to 9 and around 60 people have been severely injured. The collision occurred because the goods train was suspected to have jumped a signal. Later, it was found it had been dead since 5:50 in the morning due to automatic signalling failure.
- INC Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate released a statement on the railway tragedies of the past decade.
- Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, also visited the site of the accident in Bengal's Rangapani.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the Centre on Monday over the Kanchenjunga Express train tragedy, claiming that the Railways jeopardized passenger safety by failing to adopt anti-collision devices or Kavach.
- The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is said to initiate an investigation into the cause of the accident.
- Sukanta Majumdar, the BJP's state president and a union minister, and West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose left to visit the accident site on Monday evening.
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that increased ex-gratia compensation will be offered to the victims, including Rs 10 lakhs in the case of death, Rs 2.5 lakhs for catastrophic injuries, and Rs 50,000 for lesser injuries.
- PM Modi has stated that PMNRF will pay ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to each injured in this railway tragedy.
- The NDRF team is working together with SDRF at the location. The injured have been moved to North Bengal Hospital.
The collision of the Kanchanjungha Express caused 5 deaths and over 25 injuries while derailing two rear compartments. For helpline desk numbers and other information, read: https://t.co/ZWkQG6Knhk pic.twitter.com/gRYa9fvffE— VYGR News (@Vygrofficial) June 17, 2024
The collision caused at least three Kanchanjungha Express rear compartments to derail. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee expressed shock at the accident and stated that the district magistrate, medical professionals, and other top authorities were dispatched to the scene.
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
Authorities are deploying rescue operations and disaster response teams, including the NDRF and a divisional team of 15 ambulances, to give medical aid and support those affected. Help desks have also been established to assist the passengers. Help Desk Numbers in connection with the Kanchanjunga Express Train Collision:-
Helpline Numbers at Sealdah:
033-23508794
033-23833326
Helpline Numbers at Guwahati Station:
0361-2731621
0361-2731622
0361-2731623
Helpline Numbers at Katihar:
9002041952
9771441956
Helpline numbers at Lumding:
03674263958
03674263831
03674263120
03674263126
03674263858
Inputs: Agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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