Goods Train Collides With Kanchanjunga Express In West Bengal, 15 Dead, 60 Injured; Rescue Ops Underway

15 passengers have been confirmed dead while around 60 have sustained injuries when a goods train collided with the 13174 Agartala-Sealdah Kanchanjhunga Express from behind in New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, on Monday morning. The mishap took place at around 8.30 am.

The Kanchenjunga Express, which operates between Sealdah in West Bengal and Silchar in Assam, was en route to Sealdah at the time of the collision. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the mishap.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was "shocked" to learn about the tragic train accident and assured all possible help during the time of crisis.

"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," West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X.

Meanwhile, MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu also took to X and said, "A tragic accident has occurred in the NFR zone. Swift rescue operations are underway with coordinated efforts from Railways, NDRF, and SDRF. The injured are being quickly moved to hospitals. Senior officials are on-site to supervise."

The Railways have also released helpline numbers for the concerned kith and kin of the accident victims.

Photo Credit: Indian Railways

Reacting on the incident, Opposition leader and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has slammed the Modi government for its "mismanagement" of the Railway Ministry.

"As a responsible Opposition, it is our bounden duty to underline how the Modi Govt has systematically converted the Rail Ministry into a platform of 'Camera-driven' self-promotion," he added.

President Droupadi Murmu has also condoled the loss of lives in the unfortunate train mishap.

"The news of the loss of lives due to a train accident in Darjeeling, West Bengal is deeply distressing. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and success of relief and rescue operations," Murmu posted on X.