15 dead, 60 injured after goods train rams into Kanchanjunga Express in WB

Update: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia compensation for the families of victims who lost their life. Apart from this, Rs 2.5 Lakh towards grievous and Rs 50,000 to those who got minor injuries.

Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims;
₹10 Lakh in case of death,
₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024

Update: 15 dead, 60 injured after goods train rams into Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal. 

Update: Eight dead, several injured after goods train rams into Kanchanjunga Express in WB

According to recent updates, at least 8 people have died in the accident so far, said Northeast Frontier Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De. 

"We have information about 8 deaths in this accident," says Northeast Frontier Railway CPRO Sabyasachi De. https://t.co/Qki0Pv3D06

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

Meanwhile, Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman & CEO Railway Board informed media that the driver and assistant driver of the goods train and guard of Kanchenjunga Express train have died in the incident. 

#WATCH | Kanchenjunga Express train accident | "Driver and assistant driver of the goods train and guard of Kanchenjunga Express train have died in the incident," says Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman & CEO Railway Board.. pic.twitter.com/v0PYuXbVQP

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

Update: 5 killed, 25-30 injured after goods train rams into Kanchenjunga Express

At least five people have been killed and several got injured after goods train rammed into Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal on Monday.

According to Sabyasachi De, Chief Public Relations Officer - Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the incident happened when Kanchanjungha Express which runs between Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was Sealdah bound when a goods train hit it from behind near Rangapani station, located close to New Jalpaiguri in North Bengal. Meanwhile, the rescue operation is underway.

Meanwhile, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has expressed grief on the unfortunate accident and said that railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination.

Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site.

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024

A horrific train accident has surfaced from Darjeeling, West Bengal, where a goods train collided with a passenger train, which has destroyed three coaches of Kanchenjunga Express. According to the reports, several feared injuries, however, the number of injuries is yet to be ascertained. 

#WATCH | Goods train rams into Kanchenjunga Express train in Darjeeling district in West Bengal, several feared injured

Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/8rPyHxccN0

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

#WATCH | West Bengal | Wagon of Kanchenjunga Express train suspended in the air after a goods train rammed into it at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station under Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district today; rescue operation underway pic.twitter.com/rYnEfC3vic

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2024

The pictures that surfaced from the spot show that this goods train collided with the Kanchenjunga Express from behind. The wagon of the Kanchenjunga Express train was suspended in the air after a goods train rammed into it at Ruidhasa near Rangapani station under the Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district. A rescue operation is underway.

West Bengal government in action

Taking swift action on the incident, the chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee on Monday tweeted and expressed shock at the accident. She mentioned that a team of doctors, ambulances and disaster teams have been rushed to the spot. 

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

Meanwhile, Ministry of Railway has shared helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal.

Helpline numbers for assistance and information regarding the derailment of Kanchenjunga Express in West Bengal. pic.twitter.com/ctwkZQc5m7

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) June 17, 2024