In a tragic event early this morning, the Kanchanjunga Express, a passenger train, collided with a goods train in West Bengal, India. The accident occurred near the Rangapani station in the Darjeeling district at approximately 9:00 am local time. Initial reports confirm at least five deaths, with injuries ranging from 25 to over 30 individuals, although some sources report as many as 15 fatalities.West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock and concern over the incident, describing the collision as ‘tragic’. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw tweeted about the unfortunate event and stated that rescue operations were being conducted on a war footing. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed to the scene, and injured passengers are being shifted to nearby hospitals.The cause of the collision is currently under investigation. The Kanchanjunga Express, which runs from Agartala to Sealdah, is a vital rail link for the region and is often used by tourists heading to the hill station of Darjeeling. Despite improvements in railway safety, India’s vast rail network still experiences significant accidents, with human error and outdated equipment often cited as contributing factors.
Key points
- At least five people confirmed dead and over 25 injured in a train collision involving the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal, India.
- Emergency teams and medical personnel are on-site conducting rescue operations.
- There are conflicting reports about the number of casualties, with some sources reporting up to 15 deaths.
Contradictions👾Some reports indicate at least five fatalities, while others suggest the death toll may be as high as 15.
👾The number of injuries reported varies between 25 to over 30.
