In a tragic train accident this morning, 15 people, including the pilot and co-pilot of a goods train, lost their lives, and 60 others were injured when the goods train collided with the stationary Sealdah-bound Kanchanjungha Express in Darjeeling district, West Bengal. The collision occurred near Rangapani station, approximately 30 kilometers from North Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri station.
Collision Details and Rescue Operations
The accident took place at around 9 am when three rear coaches of the Kanchanjungha Express derailed due to the impact of the goods train hitting it from behind. Rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple agencies from the state and central government working tirelessly alongside local volunteers to free any passengers still trapped in the wreckage.
Immediate Response and Relief Efforts
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that she would visit the accident site in New Jalpaiguri to oversee the relief operations. In a swift response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Additionally, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is en route to the site to assess the situation and ensure effective relief efforts.
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Signal Failure and Investigation
Preliminary reports indicate that the automatic signalling system between Ranipatra Railway Station and Chattar Hat Junction had been defective since 5:50 am. The Sealdah Kanchanjungha Express, which departed Rangapani station at 8:27 am, was forced to halt due to the signalling failure. Railway sources confirmed that a written authority, TA 912, had been issued to the train to proceed despite the defective signals. However, it remains unclear whether the goods train received similar instructions or if the loco pilot violated protocol.
Official Statements and Further Actions
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi described the accident as “saddening” and urged for quick recovery of the injured. He confirmed that rescue operations were in full swing and that the Railways Minister was heading to the site. Chief Minister Banerjee also expressed her shock and outlined the immediate deployment of disaster response teams, doctors, and ambulances to the scene.
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,…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 17, 2024
The railway accident in West Bengal is saddening. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. Spoke to officials and took stock of the situation. Rescue operations are underway to assist the affected. The Railways Minister Shri…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 17, 2024
Unfortunate accident in NFR zone. Rescue operations going on at war footing. Railways, NDRF and SDRF are working in close coordination. Injured are being shifted to the hospital. Senior officials have reached site.
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
Enhanced ex-gratia compensation will be provided to the victims;
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 17, 2024
₹10 Lakh in case of death,
₹2.5 Lakh towards grievous and ₹50,000 for minor injuries.
Impact on Rail Services
The accident has disrupted long-distance train services in north Bengal and the northeastern regions. The state government has introduced additional bus services to manage the commuter crisis resulting from the halted train operations.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
The incident has rekindled memories of last year’s Coromandel Express disaster in Odisha, which resulted in nearly 300 fatalities and over 1,000 injuries. This recent accident underscores the urgent need for reviewing and upgrading railway safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Political Reactions and Local Response
BJP MP from Darjeeling, Raju Bista, was among the first officials to arrive at the accident site to oversee rescue efforts. The ongoing investigation aims to determine the precise cause of the collision and whether any lapses in protocol contributed to the disaster.
As the rescue operations continue, authorities are focused on providing immediate relief to the victims and their families while ensuring that a thorough investigation is conducted to prevent future incidents of this nature.
