On Monday, a catastrophic train collision in Bengal’s Siliguri resulted in the derailment of the Kanchanjunga Express, causing nine deaths and injuring over 30 people. The incident involved a goods train striking the express, leading to a significant accident near New Jalpaiguri station in the Rangapani region. Among the deceased were the driver and assistant of the goods train, as well as the Kanchanjunga Express’s guard.
Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, indicated that preliminary findings suggested the accident resulted from human error, specifically the goods train driver’s failure to observe a signal. The Kanchanjunga Express was traveling from Agartala to Sealdah at the time, with the collision causing two of its compartments to derail, one of which was dramatically flung into the air.
Following the accident, rescue operations were swiftly carried out, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals. Northeast Frontier Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Sabyasachi De, confirmed an increase in the death toll and injured count. Financial aid was promptly announced, including Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and up to Rs 10 lakh from the Railways Minister for the victims and their families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking officials expressed their condolences, with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visiting the accident site. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, among other leaders, also conveyed their shock and ensured that all necessary support was provided.
The incident prompted political responses, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blaming the accident on governmental negligence. Despite the political discourse, the focus remained on rescue and recovery efforts. Helpdesks were established at Sealdah and Naihati stations to assist those affected.
The Kanchanjunga Express resumed its journey to Sealdah, leaving the wrecked compartments behind. This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in railway operations to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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