8 Dead in Darjeeling Train Accident, Railway Announces Rs 10 Lakh Ex-Gratia

Kolkata: The death toll in the collision between a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express has risen to eight. The deceased include three Railway employees. As per reports about 50 others have been injured the Kanchanjunga Express travelling from Silchar in Assam to Sealdah in Kolkata was hit by a goods train from the rear near Rangapani station, close to New Jalpaiguri.

Three coaches of Kanchanjunga Express were derailed in the crash. The casualties in the accident were substantially reduced as the rear part of Kanchanjunga Express comprised of the cargo van and the guard’s coach, while the passenger compartments were further ahead.

Railway Board chairperson Jaya Verma Sinha told the media that the accident took place around 9 am and the rescue work is complete.

The injured have been shifted to the North Bengal medical college for treatment.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has left for the accident spot. The Railway minister declared that the ministry will give compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the victims, Rs 2.5 lakh for grievous injuries and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those killed and an assistance of Rs 50,000 for those injured in the accident.