At least 8 people lost their lives, and another 50 were injured when a goods train collided with the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express near West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri on Monday morning. The impact caused two coaches of the train to derail.
"Eight people died on the spot while 25 others were injured," said Abhishek Roy, Additional SP of Kurseong. He added that the police are working to rescue those still trapped.
The accident between 13174 Kanchanjunga Express from Agartala and a goods train took place at 9 am near Rangapani close to New Jalpaiguri station.
Relief efforts underway
Upon receiving reports of the incident, police, railway officials, and administrative officers promptly arrived at the scene to commence relief efforts. Rescue teams are actively working to evacuate trapped passengers by removing the damaged carriages from the track. Eyewitnesses report that the impact left many passengers badly injured and caused widespread panic.
Eyewitness recounts a sudden, forceful jolt from behind
An eyewitness recounted the terrifying moment, describing a sudden, forceful jolt from behind. Chaos ensued as passengers screamed and scrambled to understand what had happened. The eyewitness himself fled towards the back of the train, where a large crowd had already gathered.
Disaster response teams have reached the site: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and sorrow upon learning of the accident in the Phansidewa area of Darjeeling district. In a statement, she confirmed the collision between the Kanchenjunga Express and a freight train. She said District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), doctors, ambulances, and disaster response teams have reached the site for rescue and recovery operations. The response is being conducted on a war footing.
Efforts underway to identify all passengers involved in the incident
The Chief Minister's office has ensured that all necessary measures are being taken to assist those affected. Passengers who were trapped have been rescued and transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.There have been fatalities, and the deceased have been taken for postmortem examinations. Efforts are underway to identify all passengers involved in the incident.
Probe ordered
An investigation into the cause of the accident has been ordered, with officials already beginning to question the train operators, including the seriously injured driver of the goods train. The exact circumstances leading to this tragic collision are yet to be determined, but authorities are committed to uncovering the reasons behind this devastating event.
As the rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance to the injured and supporting the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident.
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