West Bengal train mishap: Toll climbs to 60(lead:Train mishap)

Kolkata, July 19 (ANI): At least 60 people were killed and over 150 were injured when a train in high speed tore through the rear of another at the Sainthia station in West Bengal's Bhirbhum District on Monday.

Driver M C Dey and assistant driver N K Mandal of the Sealdah-bound Uttarbanga Express, which collided with the Ranchi-bound Vananchal Express, were among the dead in the accident.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has deployed five teams of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) consisting of 140 personnel to assist in the rescue and relief operations following the train accident at Sainthia in West Bengal's Birbhum District.

Three teams have already reached the site and the remaining two will be reaching soon.

Meanwhile, the Army sent a 167-member team of doctors, engineers and technical specialists to help rescue operations.

According to sources a team of seven Army officers and 170 jawans left for the site following a request from the West Bengal and railway administrations.

Meanwhile, the Air Force has kept one Mi-17 helicopter on standby each at its Barrackpore and Kalaikunda stations.

About 175 bottles of blood are being rushed from neighbouring hospitals to the hospitals in Rampurhat and Shiuri where the injured have been admitted.

An inquiry headed by the Commissioner of Railway Safety has been ordered into the incident.

Railway authorities have opened several helpline numbers and control rooms in Sealdah, Malda, Bhagalpur and Howrah.

Helpline numbers: Ranchi: 0651-2600263/64, 2460488, 2461404 -- Sealdah: 033-23503535, 23503537, -- Malda: 06436-222061 -- Bhagalpur: 06412-4222433 -- Jamalpur 063444-3101. (ANI)