GUWAHATI: Five people died while at least 25 others were injured when a container freight train hit the Sealdah-bound Kanchanjunga Express from behind in West Bengal on Monday, June 17.
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The accident occurred around 8.55 am near Rangapani station, near New Jalpaiguri. The collision caused four coaches of the Kanchanjunga Express, which was travelling from Agartala, and five containers to derail, according to the NFR.
According to reports, the impact was mitigated by the train's configuration: the rear part of the Kanchanjunga Express consisted of a cargo van and the guard's coach, with passenger compartments positioned further ahead.
The Kanchanjunga Express is a daily service connecting Sealdah in Kolkata with Agartala via Guwahati and Silchar.
The accident has also disrupted the movement of several other trains on this route.
Reports also suggest that the goods train overshot a signal, leading to the collision.
Sabyasachi De, CPRO of Northeast Frontier Railway, while talking to the media said, “No notification about diversion or cancellation of other trains on the route has been issued yet. We will try to complete the rescue operation as soon as possible as also an accident relief train is on its way.”
Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force and ambulances, along with local police forces have been dispatched to the scene. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has taken to X to state that ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims which will be ₹10 Lakh in case of death, ₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.