Bengal Train Crash: 15 Killed, Over 60 Injured; Toll Likely to Rise as Rescue Ops Continue

Darjeeling: At least 15 passengers died and 60 were injured when the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was hit by a goods train, causing three rear coaches to derail in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district on Monday morning.

Officials warn the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.

The accident occurred near Rangapani station, approximately 30 km from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station. The goods train reportedly collided with the passenger train from behind. The deceased include the pilot and co-pilot of the goods train, as well as the passenger train’s guard.

Rescue operations are being conducted by state and central agencies, along with local assistance. The injured are being transported to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured that rescue operations are underway.

The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, en route to the accident site, announced ex-gratia compensation: Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased, Rs 2.5 lakh for the severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with 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

Preliminary reports indicate the Kanchanjunga Express was stationary when the goods train rammed into it. The impact caused two compartments to derail immediately, with a third hanging precariously.

Inclement weather has posed additional challenges to the rescue efforts.

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

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor C V Ananda Bose are scheduled to visit the site to oversee relief operations. The unaffected coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express have resumed their journey to Sealdah.

The accident has disrupted long-distance train services from north Bengal and the northeastern regions, with several trains being rerouted. The state government is providing additional bus services to aid stranded passengers.

Initial reports suggest the goods train’s loco pilot may have overshot a signal, though investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision.

This incident has brought back horrifying memories of last year’s Coromandel Express disaster in Odisha, which resulted in nearly 300 deaths and over 1,000 injuries.