Tragic Train Collision in Bengal: 9 Dead, 25 Injured as Goods Train Hits Kanchanjunga Express
17.06.2024: In a tragic incident in Bengal, a collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express has resulted in nine fatalities and 25 injuries. The crash occurred near Phansidewa in Darjeeling district, causing the derailment of three coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has confirmed that doctors and disaster response teams were promptly dispatched to the scene. She expressed her shock and sorrow on social media, highlighting the swift actions taken for rescue and medical assistance.
Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha reported that the accident happened around 9 am. The rescue operation was completed swiftly, and the injured were taken to North Bengal Medical College for treatment. She assured that the unaffected front portion of the Kanchanjunga Express would continue its journey to ensure passengers reached their destinations.
Official Statements and Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu both expressed their condolences. The Prime Minister announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is overseeing the rescue operations on-site, also declared additional compensation: ₹10 lakh for victims’ families, ₹2.5 lakh for serious injuries, and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
Congress leaders, including President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, conveyed their sympathies and urged for immediate compensation and support for the affected families. They also criticized the government’s handling of the railway sector, citing negligence and mismanagement.
Accident Details and Impact
The Kanchanjunga Express, a daily service connecting Bengal with Silchar and Agartala, runs through the Chicken’s Neck corridor, a crucial link between the Northeast and the rest of India. The collision, reportedly caused by the goods train overshooting a signal, has disrupted this vital route, potentially affecting several other train services.
The Railways have provided helpline numbers for information: 033-23508794 and 033-23833326 (Sealdah), and 03612731621, 03612731622, and 03612731623 (Guwahati).
This tragic accident has cast a shadow over the region, with many expressing their grief and calling for improvements in railway safety and management. The government’s swift response and the ongoing rescue and relief efforts aim to mitigate the impact of this unfortunate incident.