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Tragic Train Collision in West Bengal Leaves Nine Dead and Dozens Injured
At least nine individuals lost their lives and over 30 others sustained injuries in a devastating railway collision in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district. The tragic incident involved the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express, which was traveling from Silchar, Assam to Sealdah, Kolkata.
The mishap occurred around 8:30 am when a goods train collided with the stationary Kanchanjunga Express from behind, causing three rear coaches to derail. The location of the accident was approximately 11 km from the bustling New Jalpaiguri station, a key hub in the Northeast Frontier Railway zone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly announced a compensation of ₹10 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased passenger. Additionally, ₹2.5 lakh would be provided for grievous injuries and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
Railway officials indicated that a preliminary investigation suggested the goods train’s loco pilot had overlooked a signal, resulting in the tragic collision. Tragically, the loco pilot of the goods train and the guard of the Kanchanjunga Express were among the casualties in the accident.
In response to the incident, several train services have been cancelled on the New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri Junction, Bagdogra, and Aluabari Road routes. The collision blocked both Up and Down lines, disrupting long-distance train operations in the region.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP, highlighting their lack of focus on passenger amenities. She emphasized the need for genuine commitment to passenger safety and well-being over mere political rhetoric.
Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the North Bengal Medical College in Siliguri to meet with the injured individuals and oversee relief efforts. The tragedy prompted heartfelt condolences from leaders across the political spectrum, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy.
