Passengers Recount Horrific Moments From West Bengal Train Accident

The Kanchanjunga Express accident in Siliguri's Phansidewa on Monday evoked memories of the tragic Odisha Balasore train accident exactly a year ago. The Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express was struck by a goods train on Wednesday, resulting in 5 deaths, including the freight train's driver. At least 30 people were injured, with many feared trapped in the derailed coaches. ABP Ananda interviewed passengers, who described the chaos and their sense of helplessness.

The Kanchanjunga Express was en route from Agartala to Kolkata when the accident occurred between Nijbari and Chatterhat stations in the Nirmaljote area of Phansidewa, near Rangapani station, around 8:45 am. According to railway sources, the goods train's driver ignored a signal and collided with the stationary Kanchenjunga Express, causing three coaches to derail.

Two end cars were thrown about 20 feet onto another set of tracks, while another coach was left hanging over the goods train. Initial reports suggested that the goods train had disregarded a signal, leading to the accident.

A passenger, Jhuton Ghosh, recounted the crash: "We were jolted by the sudden crash. Everyone inside was screaming. No help was available immediately - neither railway officials nor fire service personnel were there. No emergency service was available. Had there been officials present in the first place, the loss of life might have been prevented."

Another passenger described the confusion: "How did two trains come on one set of tracks? There was negligence on the part of the railways. There were so many passengers there... Will there be no liability? I suddenly felt a jolt. Then there were loud screams and then total darkness. We quickly got out of the train to save our lives."

A passenger of Kanchenjunga Express train says, " I was travelling in B1 coach when the train was hit. I have been rescued, I have suffered an injury on my head."

A minor fire also broke out on the train, according to another passenger speaking to news agency ANI.

NDRF and SDRF teams are at the site conducting rescue operations, using gas cutters to cut through the train's hull.