Goods Train Overshot Signal to Hit Kanchanjunga Express in Darjeeling

Kolkata: As per reports quoting railway officials, the goods train that hit Kanchanjunga Express on Monday morning in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district had overshot the signal.

At least five persons lost their lives and around 25 others were injured when the express train traveling from Silchar, Assam to Sealdah, Kolkata was hit by the goods train from the rear near Rangapani station.

The last three coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express were derailed. Kanchanjunga Express is usually used by tourists to travel to Darjeeling.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a post on X said, “Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site.”

A war room has been set up in Delhi to coordinate rescue measures.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a post on X said, “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, recovery, medical assistance. Action on war-footing initiated.”

The passenger train had two parcel vans and a guard coach in the rear, which is believed to have significantly reduced the impact of the collision.